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
design_n whereof_o be_v eternal_o include_v in_o the_o very_a decree_n and_o the_o order_n of_o the_o decree_n as_o to_o our_o apprehension_n of_o they_o be_v most_o safe_o and_o convenient_o lay_v down_o according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o their_o execution_n but_o to_o insist_v upon_o a_o priority_n and_o posteriority_n of_o intention_n in_o the_o divine_a intellect_n and_o will_n be_v find_v lubricous_a and_o incommodious_a and_o it_o be_v no_o way_n necessary_a 15._o divers_a decree_n have_v diverse_o qualify_v object_n in_o the_o divine_a decree_n diversify_v from_o their_o object_n the_o object_n be_v consider_v as_o diverse_o qualify_v god_n decree_n to_o glorify_v a_o person_n have_v the_o object_n otherwise_o qualify_v than_o the_o object_n of_o his_o decree_n of_o give_v faith_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o condition_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o glorification_n be_v not_o necessary_a to_o effectual_a vocation_n it_o be_v to_o be_v note_v that_o though_o the_o divers_a decree_n have_v their_o special_a object_n consider_v or_o foreknow_v as_o diverse_o qualify_v yet_o none_o of_o they_o have_v any_o exterior_a cause_n it_o argue_v no_o more_o dependence_n of_o god_n on_o the_o creature_n to_o terminate_v his_o volition_n or_o decree_n only_o on_o a_o qualify_a subject_n than_o to_o terminate_v his_o efficient_a power_n and_o will_n on_o such_o a_o qualify_a subject_n and_o no_o other_o as_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o he_o do_v and_o that_o hereupon_o his_o decree_n be_v not_o a_o thing_n in_o suspense_n have_v be_v already_o show_v 16._o of_o absolute_a election_n there_o be_v a_o predestination_n or_o absolute_a election_n of_o particular_a person_n to_o eternal_a life_n for_o god_n do_v decree_n to_o give_v eternal_a life_n upon_o certain_a condition_n and_o he_o do_v also_o decree_n to_o give_v those_o condition_n to_o certain_a person_n that_o god_n do_v in_o certain_a person_n effect_v all_o the_o condition_n of_o salvation_n or_o that_o he_o give_v and_o maintain_v in_o they_o from_o time_n to_o time_n that_o grace_n that_o shall_v infallible_o end_v in_o salvation_n be_v undeniable_a by_o they_o who_o believe_v that_o any_o be_v save_v and_o the_o donation_n of_o such_o grace_n do_v evident_o prove_v his_o eternal_a purpose_n thereof_o for_o nothing_o be_v more_o evident_a than_o that_o god_n decree_v whatsoever_o he_o effect_n this_o absolute_a election_n proceed_v according_a to_o god_n foreknowledge_n i_o mean_v the_o foreknowledge_n both_o of_o the_o infallible_a efficacy_n of_o his_o own_o grace_n which_o he_o have_v purpose_v towards_o his_o elect_n and_o also_o of_o the_o free_a determination_n of_o their_o will_n by_o the_o same_o grace_n so_o that_o god_n foresee_v no_o good_a in_o they_o but_o what_o he_o have_v decree_v to_o give_v they_o and_o it_o be_v also_o true_a that_o he_o foresee_v that_o they_o will_v use_v their_o own_o liberty_n under_o his_o grace_n as_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v 17._o of_o a_o general_a conditional_a decree_n of_o salvation_n god_n do_v not_o decree_v the_o salvation_n of_o those_o that_o be_v not_o save_v to_o say_v that_o god_n do_v decree_v the_o salvation_n of_o all_o upon_o condition_n be_v i_o think_v a_o improper_a way_n of_o speak_v there_o be_v indeed_o a_o decree_n that_o all_o without_o exception_n by_o who_o god_n condition_n be_v perform_v shall_v be_v save_v but_o this_o be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o decree_a of_o the_o general_a law_n of_o grace_n and_o be_v whole_o another_o thing_n than_o the_o decree_n of_o election_n general_n election_n sound_v as_o a_o contradiction_n in_o the_o term_n 18._o of_o nonelection_n for_o as_o much_o as_o god_n have_v not_o decree_v such_o grace_n to_o all_o as_o do_v infallible_o end_v in_o eternal_a salvation_n there_o be_v some_o non-elect_a mere_a nonelection_n be_v no_o decree_n it_o be_v not_o a_o nolition_n to_o give_v that_o grace_n which_o deny_v salvation_n but_o a_o bare_a non-volition_a thereof_o there_o be_v indeed_o something_o more_o than_o a_o bare_a not-willing_a even_o a_o nilling_a to_o give_v such_o grace_n but_o than_o it_o be_v a_o positive_a will_n of_o a_o judicial_a deny_v of_o grace_n which_o never_o take_v place_n but_o upon_o supposition_n of_o precedent_n wilful_a sin_n and_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n much_o different_a from_o nonelection_n 19_o the_o nonelection_n of_o some_o agreeable_a to_o the_o wisdom_n and_o consistent_a with_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n government_n to_o decree_v the_o salvation_n of_o some_o but_o not_o of_o all_o and_o in_o not_o decree_a the_o salvation_n of_o all_o there_o be_v no_o want_n of_o goodness_n in_o god_n for_o that_o any_o miss_n of_o salvation_n it_o be_v not_o through_o any_o omission_n on_o god_n part_n but_o through_o man_n neglect_n to_o do_v their_o part_n that_o the_o non-elect_a be_v not_o under_o a_o impossibility_n of_o be_v save_v be_v evident_a from_o the_o position_n before_o prove_v that_o the_o negation_n of_o god_n decree_n do_v not_o infer_v a_o impossibility_n of_o the_o event_n 20._o of_o positive_a reprobation_n positive_a reprobation_n or_o the_o decree_n of_o damnation_n be_v not_o arbitrary_a nor_o be_v it_o absolute_a in_o that_o sense_n as_o the_o decree_n of_o salvation_n or_o election_n be_v for_o where_o god_n decree_v to_o save_v he_o decree_v likewise_o all_o the_o pre-requisite_a condition_n of_o salvation_n but_o he_o decree_v damnation_n only_o upon_o foresight_n of_o final_a impenitence_n or_o die_v in_o a_o state_n of_o sin_n but_o that_o impenitence_n or_o sinful_a state_n he_o do_v not_o decree_n indeed_o the_o obduration_n that_o be_v judicial_a god_n decree_v yet_o not_o arbitrary_o but_o upon_o foresight_n of_o man_n voluntary_a impenitence_n and_o hardness_n and_o in_o this_o judicial_a obduration_n i_o do_v not_o mean_v that_o god_n decree_v the_o penal_a sin_n itself_o but_o his_o own_o righteous_a judgement_n upon_o which_o the_o sin_n follow_v there_o be_v no_o positive_a decree_n that_o few_o shall_v be_v convert_v only_o the_o conversion_n of_o the_o great_a number_n be_v not_o decree_v nor_o do_v god_n decree_v the_o salvation_n of_o man_n upon_o such_o condition_n as_o make_v the_o salvation_n of_o most_o man_n impossible_a but_o the_o condition_n of_o be_v save_v be_v such_o as_o do_v abundant_o testify_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o the_o salvability_n of_o man_n in_o general_n 21._o in_o what_o sense_n god_n be_v say_v to_o will_n the_o conversion_n and_o salvation_n of_o all_o the_o conversion_n and_o salvation_n of_o man_n be_v sincere_o design_v in_o god_n public_a declaration_n and_o proposal_n as_o the_o near_a and_o proper_a end_n thereof_o that_o they_o shall_v turn_v and_o live_v be_v please_v to_o his_o will_n by_o a_o simple_a complacency_n and_o he_o have_v no_o complacence_n in_o their_o sin_n nor_o in_o their_o damnation_n as_o in_o itself_o consider_v he_o be_v so_o far_o willing_a of_o the_o event_n as_o that_o he_o do_v most_o earnest_o and_o strict_o command_v it_o and_o persuade_v it_o by_o most_o powerful_a and_o gracious_a motive_n and_o give_v such_o a_o measure_n of_o help_n as_o will_v make_v they_o happy_a if_o they_o make_v use_v of_o it_o and_o leave_v they_o without_o excuse_n if_o they_o do_v it_o not_o and_o nothing_o be_v lack_v on_o his_o part_n that_o be_v meet_v for_o he_o to_o do_v towards_o it_o in_o point_n of_o justice_n or_o grace_n but_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o he_o do_v not_o simple_o and_o absolute_o will_v the_o event_n that_o never_o come_v to_o pass_v nor_o be_v it_o congruous_a to_o his_o government_n of_o man_n in_o their_o state_n of_o trial_n in_o order_n to_o a_o future_a state_n of_o recompense_n that_o he_o shall_v absolute_o will_v the_o event_n of_o all_o that_o he_o command_v to_o be_v do_v nevertheless_o god_n will_v be_v effectual_a to_o that_o which_o he_o will_v so_o far_o as_o he_o will_v it_o his_o will_n of_o the_o event_n be_v always_o effectual_a as_o to_o the_o event_n his_o will_n of_o command_n counsel_n and_o persuasion_n be_v always_o effectual_a as_o to_o the_o make_n of_o duty_n and_o to_o the_o unfeigned_a signification_n of_o his_o grace_n towards_o man_n and_o of_o his_o simple_a complacence_n in_o their_o happiness_n part_n ii_o of_o the_o operation_n of_o god_n about_o the_o action_n of_o men._n 1._o god_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o good_n as_o there_o be_v a_o divine_a decree_n so_o there_o be_v a_o divine_a efficience_n of_o all_o the_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 that_o ever_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 and_o to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o be_v to_o decree_n and_o effect_v it_o 2._o of_o god_n
scripture_n he_o punish_v voluntary_a hardness_n of_o heart_n with_o judicial_a hardness_n nevertheless_o though_o to_o punish_v be_v god_n act_n yet_o he_o do_v not_o proper_o cause_v the_o penal_a sin_n but_o in_o his_o righteous_a judgement_n he_o deny_v to_o give_v that_o help_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v needful_a to_o keep_v a_o man_n from_o such_o sin_n and_o which_o be_v forfeit_v by_o the_o abuse_n of_o grace_n already_o receive_v he_o do_v also_o just_o expose_v the_o sinner_n to_o more_o and_o great_a temptation_n hereupon_o the_o sin_n which_o be_v the_o punishment_n of_o former_a sin_n certain_o follow_v but_o there_o be_v no_o causation_n or_o agency_n of_o god_n to_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o sin_n only_o by_o his_o righteous_a judgement_n it_o be_v order_v to_o be_v a_o punishment_n of_o former_a sin_n 16._o sin_n do_v not_o necessary_o follow_v the_o permission_n of_o it_o if_o the_o humane_a will_n have_v be_v bend_v to_o sin_n by_o a_o natural_a inclination_n as_o the_o fire_n burn_v sin_n must_v have_v necessary_o follow_v upon_o the_o permission_n of_o it_o but_o first_o man_n sin_v with_o freedom_n and_o choice_n and_o without_o any_o previous_a inclination_n to_o it_o and_o therefore_o the_o bare_a permission_n of_o it_o which_o be_v no_o more_o than_o a_o non-prevention_n do_v not_o infer_v a_o necessity_n of_o sin_v nor_o do_v it_o causal_o ascertain_v the_o event_n of_o sin_n for_o it_o have_v no_o causation_n in_o it_o yea_o the_o first_o man_n sin_v not_o only_o by_o free_a choice_n and_o without_o a_o previous_a inclination_n to_o it_o but_o also_o against_o a_o holy_a inclination_n to_o obedience_n call_v original_a righteousness_n this_o holy_a inclination_n though_o it_o be_v not_o so_o natural_a as_o burn_v be_v to_o fire_n that_o be_v natural_o inseparable_a yet_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o humane_a nature_n in_o its_o right_a state_n and_o as_o it_o first_o come_v out_o of_o its_o maker_n hand_n and_o under_o the_o necessary_a influence_n of_o god_n which_o be_v with_o he_o it_o be_v so_o full_o sufficient_a to_o his_o perseverance_n in_o that_o state_n that_o his_o sin_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o inexcusable_a ingratitude_n and_o high_a contempt_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n towards_o he_o in_o the_o state_n of_o fallen_n nature_n the_o will_n have_v lose_v its_o freedom_n to_o act_n conformable_a to_o god_n law_n and_o be_v enslave_v to_o sin_n and_o while_o god_n permit_v he_o to_o abide_v in_o this_o state_n man_n sin_v necessary_o yet_o not_o by_o reason_n of_o god_n permission_n but_o his_o own_o vicious_a inclination_n this_o necessity_n of_o sin_v be_v not_o pure_o natural_a but_o moral_a which_o be_v also_o voluntary_a be_v from_o no_o other_o cause_n than_o the_o obstinate_a depravedness_n of_o the_o will_n itself_o which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v conquer_v by_o its_o own_o power_n moreover_o it_o be_v not_o a_o necessity_n of_o the_o very_a particular_a sin_n which_o man_n run_v into_o as_o if_o they_o be_v inevitabe_v for_o ordinary_o the_o particular_a sinful_a deed_n commit_v may_v be_v forbear_v and_o the_o duty_n omit_v may_v be_v perform_v as_o to_o the_o outward_a deed_n but_o the_o meaning_n be_v whatsoever_o a_o unrenewed_a person_n do_v have_v necessary_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o a_o disconformity_n to_o god_n law_n a_o corrupt_a tree_n can_v bring_v forth_o good_a fruit._n part_n iii_o of_o the_o operation_n of_o divine_a grace_n 1._o what_o be_v signify_v by_o divine_a grace_n for_o the_o clear_a understanding_n of_o all_o point_n to_o be_v discuss_v touch_v divine_a grace_n it_o be_v requisite_a that_o the_o meaning_n of_o grace_n in_o general_n and_o of_o all_o the_o kind_n thereof_o be_v explain_v by_o divine_a grace_n in_o general_n be_v understand_v whatsoever_o be_v gracious_o vouchsafe_v on_o god_n part_n in_o order_n to_o man_n duty_n and_o felicity_n whether_o it_o be_v the_o divine_a operation_n or_o the_o effect_n hereof_o in_o man_n sometime_o man_n call_v the_o first_o save_v operation_n of_o god_n to_o the_o renew_n of_o the_o soul_n by_o the_o name_n of_o the_o first_o grace_n but_o it_o be_v not_o so_o indeed_o for_o abundant_a and_o manifold_a grace_n be_v vouchsafe_v before_o that_o whatsoever_o be_v from_o god_n over_o and_o above_o humane_a nature_n and_o faculty_n and_o his_o general_a concourse_n in_o themselves_o consider_v be_v to_o be_v comprehend_v under_o this_o term._n nature_n and_o god_n uphold_v thereof_o in_o itself_o consider_v be_v not_o to_o be_v call_v grace_n but_o god_n reprieve_v of_o nature_n in_o order_n to_o its_o recovery_n be_v his_o grace_n through-christ_n and_o so_o the_o continue_n of_o our_o reason_n and_o free_a will_n and_o all_o our_o faculty_n in_o this_o state_n of_o trial_n be_v of_o grace_n and_o nature_n in_o itself_o consider_v be_v the_o subject_a that_o grace_n work_v upon_o for_o grace_n do_v not_o put_v into_o we_o any_o such_o thing_n as_o we_o call_v a_o natural_a faculty_n but_o the_o rectitude_n of_o the_o faculty_n or_o that_o which_o tend_v thereunto_o and_o all_o the_o degree_n of_o the_o heal_n and_o restore_v of_o our_o deprave_a lapse_v nature_n be_v so_o many_o degree_n of_o grace_n obtain_v for_o we_o by_o christ._n in_o sum_n under_o divine_a grace_n in_o general_a may_v be_v comprehend_v god_n ordinance_n providence_n secret_a influence_n and_o eternal_a purpose_n or_o the_o gracious_a effect_n and_o consequent_n thereof_o in_o man_n 2._o the_o meaning_n of_o some_o distiction_n of_o grace_n that_o be_v common_o use_v there_o be_v grace_n objective_n and_o subjective_n by_o objective_a grace_n be_v mean_v the_o law_n or_o covenant_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v style_v in_o scripture_n the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o bring_v salvation_n together_o with_o all_o the_o external_a sign_n and_o evidence_n thereof_o either_o in_o the_o work_v of_o god_n and_o the_o course_n of_o his_o providence_n towards_o mankind_n or_o in_o his_o write_a word_n by_o subjective_a grace_n be_v mean_v all_o internal_a gracious_a operation_n of_o god_n on_o man_n over_z and_o above_o his_o general_a concourse_n together_o with_o the_o impression_n and_o disposition_n make_v thereby_o in_o the_o soul_n there_o be_v grace_n common_a and_o special_a by_o common_a grace_n many_o understand_v that_o which_o be_v common_a not_o to_o all_o but_o to_o more_o than_o the_o elect_n and_o by_o special_a grace_n that_o which_o be_v peculiar_a to_o the_o elect_n or_o to_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n but_o these_o term_n be_v not_o necessary_o restrain_v to_o this_o meaning_n for_o there_o be_v a_o common_a grace_n not_o only_o as_o give_v to_o more_o than_o the_o elect_n but_o as_o give_v to_o all_o man_n and_o there_o be_v a_o special_a grace_n wherein_o god_n free_o favour_v one_o man_n more_o than_o another_o and_o yet_o it_o may_v be_v below_o that_o which_o be_v peculiar_a to_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n grace_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n may_v be_v consider_v as_o give_v to_o several_a person_n in_o equal_a or_o unequal_a measure_n there_o be_v also_o grace_n sufficient_a and_o grace_n effectual_a sufficient_a grace_n be_v that_o by_o which_o we_o can_v do_v the_o good_a to_o which_o it_o be_v say_v to_o be_v sufficient_a and_o without_o which_o we_o can_v do_v it_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v also_o call_v necessary_a grace_n effectual_a grace_n be_v that_o which_o as_o such_o do_v take_v effect_n and_o be_v never_o frustrate_v 3._o of_o universal_a grace_n i_o think_v the_o notion_n of_o grace_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v restrain_v to_o favour_n or_o benefit_n vouchsafe_v to_o some_o and_o not_o to_o other_o but_o whatsoever_o god_n give_v which_o in_o his_o justice_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o work_n he_o may_v refuse_v to_o give_v be_v true_o call_v grace_n though_o it_o be_v give_v to_o all_o and_o the_o most_o common_a grace_n be_v so_o far_o of_o free-choice_n as_o that_o god_n may_v just_o have_v refuse_v to_o give_v it_o that_o there_o be_v a_o universal_a objective_n grace_n appear_v by_o the_o general_a law_n of_o grace_n or_o the_o conditional_a grant_n of_o life_n and_o salvation_n to_o all_o mankind_n the_o grace_n of_o the_o external_a sign_n and_o evidence_n of_o the_o say_a general_n grant_v be_v likewise_o universal_a in_o some_o degree_n for_o in_o the_o course_n of_o god_n providence_n towards_o mankind_n his_o mercy_n to_o sinner_n be_v very_o legible_a particular_o his_o reconcileableness_n to_o they_o upon_o their_o repentance_n the_o mercy_n of_o god_n towards_o man_n in_o general_n tend_v to_o lead_v they_o to_o repentance_n and_o seek_v after_o god_n act._n 17._o 27._o and_o this_o suppose_v god_n to_o be_v reconcileable_a otherwise_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n for_o repentance_n if_o there_o be_v such_o universal_a objective_n grace_n what_o hinder_v that_o there_o shall_v not_o
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
against_o the_o opposite_a principle_n 30._o encouragement_n to_o wait_v on_o god_n grace_n in_o his_o way_n common_o man_n be_v forward_o to_o venture_v great_a matter_n in_o the_o world_n upon_o hopeful_a yet_o uncertain_a issue_n therefore_o none_o shall_v grudge_n to_o venture_v their_o care_n and_o pain_n in_o wait_v on_o god_n grace_n in_o his_o way_n to_o do_v our_o uttermost_a in_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n for_o conversion_n be_v manifest_o our_o duty_n and_o we_o be_v sure_a to_o be_v no_o loser_n by_o it_o which_o man_n be_v not_o sure_a of_o in_o their_o great_a adventure_n and_o undertake_n for_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n a_o man_n be_v continue_v make_v use_n of_o that_o moral_a power_n which_o he_o have_v towards_o conversion_n from_o one_o degree_n of_o preparatory_a grace_n to_o another_o will_v at_o length_n terminate_v in_o grace_n immediate_o sufficient_a if_o he_o live_v and_o i_o incline_v to_o believe_v that_o god_n will_v not_o by_o death_n cut_v off_o a_o person_n that_o continue_v endeavour_n in_o some_o good_a measure_n answerable_a to_o his_o help_n to_o advance_v towards_o conversion_n before_o he_o become_v a_o convert_n though_o his_o endeavour_n be_v mingle_v with_o some_o defect_n 31._o whether_o god_n have_v promise_v grace_n effectual_a to_o those_o that_o use_v grace_n receive_v god_n command_v to_o use_v mean_n for_o any_o end_n contain_v a_o encouragement_n to_o use_v the_o same_o in_o hope_n that_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v in_o vain_a and_o if_o we_o be_v to_o use_v mean_n in_o hope_n towards_o god_n that_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v in_o vain_a it_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v not_o a_o groundless_a but_o a_o ground_a hope_n and_o every_o ground_a hope_n rest_v upon_o some_o signification_n of_o god_n will_v for_o the_o obtain_n of_o the_o thing_n hope_v for_o if_o god_n positive_a denegation_n of_o further_a grace_n be_v penal_a why_o may_v not_o his_o confer_v of_o further_a grace_n be_v premial_a according_a to_o a_o conditional_a promise_n our_o perform_v of_o the_o condition_n of_o such_o a_o promise_n depend_v primary_o on_o god_n prevent_v grace_n yet_o subordinate_o it_o may_v depend_v on_o our_o own_o well-disposedness_a which_o be_v always_o the_o effect_n of_o a_o former_a prevent_v grace_n the_o endeavour_n of_o a_o man_n yet_o unconvert_v which_o be_v not_o accept_v of_o god_n immediate_o unto_o his_o justification_n may_v be_v accept_v according_a to_o their_o degree_n namely_o unto_o the_o bestow_n of_o benefit_n tend_v to_o conversion_n and_o justification_n and_o so_o may_v be_v the_o condition_n of_o obtain_v such_o benefit_n it_o do_v not_o derogate_v from_o the_o honour_n of_o divine_a grace_n nor_o tend_v to_o beget_v arrogance_n in_o man_n that_o god_n shall_v ordinary_o give_v further_o grace_n upon_o the_o good_a use_n of_o former_a grace_n for_o it_o be_v not_o the_o value_n and_o worth_n but_o the_o congruity_n and_o meetness_n of_o what_o be_v do_v by_o man_n for_o the_o receive_n of_o more_o grace_n that_o be_v here_o consider_v and_o it_o be_v very_o congruous_a that_o the_o act_n of_o divine_a grace_n towards_o man_n shall_v not_o be_v perfect_v at_o once_o but_o by_o degree_n as_o man_n make_v use_v of_o the_o former_a degree_n 32._o equal_a help_n of_o grace_n may_v have_v different_a effect_n where_o equal_a help_n of_o grace_n be_v vouchsase_v to_o several_a person_n it_o be_v possible_a that_o the_o good_a act_n for_o which_o it_o be_v give_v may_v follow_v in_o one_o of_o they_o and_o not_o in_o the_o other_o and_o where_o equal_a help_n be_v give_v to_o the_o same_o person_n at_o several_a time_n it_o be_v possible_a that_o the_o good_a act_n may_v follow_v at_o one_o time_n and_o not_o at_o another_o otherwise_o whensoever_o a_o good_a act_n be_v do_v a_o great_a help_n than_o that_o which_o be_v give_v when_o it_o be_v not_o do_v be_v suppose_v necessary_a and_o if_o great_a divine_a help_n than_o what_o be_v give_v be_v causal_o necessary_a to_o all_o those_o enjoin_v act_n which_o be_v not_o do_v all_o sinful_a omission_n will_v be_v ultimate_o resolve_v into_o god_n not_o give_v what_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o opposite_a good_a act_n which_o to_o admit_v be_v as_o i_o suppose_v a_o great_a inconvenience_n from_o this_o supposition_n that_o the_o same_o grace_n sometime_o take_v effect_n and_o sometime_o not_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o the_o same_o efficience_n be_v not_o the_o same_o for_o as_o the_o term_n efficience_n connote_v the_o follow_a act_n it_o be_v not_o the_o same_o efficience_n that_o do_v and_o that_o do_v not_o take_v effect_n yet_o it_o may_v be_v say_v the_o same_o efficience_n if_o the_o word_n be_v take_v for_o the_o operation_n in_o se_fw-la and_o not_o respective_o with_o connotation_n of_o the_o effect_n 33._o whether_o any_o be_v convert_v by_o such_o help_n of_o grace_n as_o leave_v some_o vnconvert_v that_o there_o be_v grace_n sufficient_a to_o conversion_n which_o do_v not_o effect_v it_o have_v be_v already_o argue_v and_o that_o more_o grace_n than_o what_o be_v immediate_o sufficient_a be_v not_o necessary_a to_o it_o the_o very_a term_n do_v make_v plain_a and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n necessary_a that_o more_o be_v give_v than_o what_o be_v immediate_o sufficient_a who_o can_v prove_v that_o god_n do_v always_o give_v more_o where_o conversion_n follow_v if_o in_o several_a person_n or_o people_n receive_v equal_a grace_n unto_o common_a good_a act_n the_o event_n have_v be_v different_a as_o to_o that_o kind_n of_o good_a i_o do_v not_o understand_v why_o in_o several_a person_n receive_v equal_a grace_n to_o save_v good_a act_n the_o event_n may_v not_o be_v different_a as_o to_o that_o kind_n of_o good_n but_o indeed_o i_o judge_v that_o in_o this_o case_n we_o be_v not_o so_o much_o concern_v to_o know_v what_o be_v do_v as_o what_o may_v be_v do_v and_o what_o will_v be_v do_v if_o man_n be_v not_o want_v to_o themselves_o it_o may_v seem_v by_o our_o saviour_n word_n mat._n 11._o 21._o if_o the_o mighty_a work_n which_o have_v be_v do_v in_o you_o have_v be_v do_v in_o tyre_n and_o sidon_n they_o will_v have_v repent_v long_o ago_o etc._n etc._n that_o some_o will_v certain_o have_v be_v convert_v by_o that_o very_a help_n of_o grace_n if_o it_o have_v be_v give_v they_o which_o do_v not_o convert_v other_o to_o who_o it_o be_v give_v his_o upbraid_v the_o people_n to_o who_o he_o speak_v as_o more_o unyield_a to_o god_n than_o other_o will_v have_v be_v do_v show_v that_o a_o equal_a help_n of_o grace_n will_v have_v convert_v other_o i_o mean_v equal_a in_o itself_o but_o whether_o it_o may_v be_v call_v equal_a respective_o to_o their_o need_n i_o confess_v i_o can_v say_v for_o they_o may_v need_v a_o great_a help_n than_o other_o to_o prevail_v against_o their_o great_a averseness_n yet_o this_o may_v be_v rational_o hence_o infer_v that_o in_o some_o instance_n by_o that_o help_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v in_o itself_o equal_a some_o may_v be_v and_o actual_o be_v convert_v and_o not_o other_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o unequal_a disposedness_n of_o the_o person_n whether_o some_o be_v convert_v and_o other_o not_o by_o that_o help_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v equal_a not_o only_o in_o itself_o but_o also_o respective_o to_o the_o need_n of_o both_o if_o we_o know_v not_o there_o be_v no_o great_a need_n to_o know_v but_o i_o think_v it_o be_v hard_o for_o any_o to_o show_v cause_n why_o it_o can_v be_v so_o and_o that_o it_o never_o be_v so_o in_o this_o case_n the_o undetermined_a liberty_n of_o the_o will_n suffice_v to_o make_v a_o diversity_n of_o the_o cause_n to_o a_o diversity_n of_o the_o effect_n in_o the_o several_a person_n notwithstanding_o the_o same_o disposedness_n the_o same_o object_n the_o same_o help_n the_o same_o impediment_n and_o all_o other_o circumstance_n the_o same_o howbeit_o none_o be_v convert_v who_o conversion_n be_v not_o antecedent_o ascertain_v of_o god_n for_o this_o if_o any_o thing_n must_v not_o be_v leave_v to_o uncertainty_n here_o it_o be_v to_o be_v note_v that_o the_o non-ascertaining_a of_o a_o event_n do_v not_o render_v it_o impossible_a and_o the_o non-ascertaining_a of_o conversion_n do_v imply_v no_o necessity_n of_o non-conversion_n but_o that_o which_o be_v call_v necessitas_fw-la consequentiae_fw-la or_o of_o logical_a inference_n and_o import_v only_o a_o certainty_n and_o no_o proper_a necessity_n of_o the_o thing_n infer_v god_n do_v ascertain_v conversion_n by_o the_o vouchsafement_n of_o such_o grace_n as_o do_v infallible_o produce_v it_o according_a to_o his_o foreknowledge_n and_o decree_n god_n gracious_a efficience_n proceed_v from_o a_o absolute_a decree_n of_o the_o success_n be_v the_o formalis_fw-la ratio_fw-la
of_o effectual_a grace_n 34._o in_o man_n conversion_n and_o in_o all_o good_a god_n be_v always_o chief_a yea_o all_o in_o all_o grace_n always_o take_v effect_n according_a to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o divine_a will._n and_o man_n conversion_n to_o god_n and_o perseverance_n in_o grace_n and_o whatsoever_o good_a be_v do_v by_o the_o creature_n which_o way_n soever_o it_o be_v bring_v to_o pass_v be_v to_o be_v refer_v not_o to_o the_o create_a will_n as_o the_o origo_fw-la or_o first_o rise_v thereof_o but_o to_o the_o decree_n of_o god_n ordain_v and_o his_o providence_n dispose_v the_o whole_a traduction_n of_o a_o sinner_n from_o death_n to_o life_n all_o good_a be_v entire_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n and_o man_n will_n do_v it_o as_o whole_o thereunto_o impower_v of_o god_n the_o undetermined_a liberty_n of_o the_o will_n and_o the_o different_a success_n of_o equal_a grace_n be_v not_o derogatory_n to_o the_o interest_n of_o divine_a grace_n in_o all_o good_a act_n for_o though_o the_o will_v be_v a_o self-determining_a principle_n yet_o it_o be_v under_o the_o sovereignty_n of_o god_n who_o have_v the_o heart_n and_o way_n of_o all_o man_n in_o his_o own_o hand_n and_o can_v in_o innumerable_a way_n to_o we_o unknown_a ascertain_v all_o good_a event_n that_o be_v decree_v by_o he_o 35._o of_o st._n paul_n question_n who_o make_v thou_o to_o differ_v from_o another_o when_o one_o be_v convert_v and_o not_o another_o if_o there_o be_v a_o specialty_n or_o inequality_n of_o divine_a help_n in_o any_o kind_a vouchsafe_v to_o the_o convert_n more_o than_o to_o the_o other_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o difference_n be_v clear_a and_o unquestionable_a viz._n that_o special_a or_o more_o abundant_a help_n whatsoever_o it_o be_v but_o if_o the_o help_v vouchsafe_v to_o both_o be_v altogether_o equal_a it_o require_v some_o disquisition_n to_o assign_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o difference_n here_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o difference_n or_o dissimilitude_n be_v a_o relation_n and_o have_v no_o other_o cause_o than_o the_o cause_n of_o its_o fundamentum_fw-la from_o which_o it_o arise_v by_o bare_a resultancy_n in_o the_o present_a case_n as_o there_o be_v two_o subject_n there_o be_v two_o dissimilitude_n to_o each_o whereof_o there_o be_v its_o proper_a fundamentum_fw-la the_o believer_n differ_v from_o the_o unbeliever_n by_o believe_v that_o be_v his_o believe_v be_v the_o fundamentum_fw-la of_o the_o dissimilitude_n on_o his_o part_n now_o of_o his_o believe_a god_n be_v the_o chief_a cause_n and_o he_o himself_o be_v the_o subordinate_a cause_n total_o dependent_a on_o god_n and_o consequent_o god_n be_v the_o chief_a cause_n and_o he_o himself_o but_o the_o subordinate_a cause_n of_o the_o relation_n of_o dissimilitude_n on_o his_o side_n the_o unbeliever_n differ_v from_o the_o believer_n by_o unbelief_n that_o be_v unbelief_n be_v the_o fundamentum_fw-la of_o the_o dissimilitude_n on_o his_o part_n now_o of_o his_o unbelief_n he_o himself_o be_v the_o chief_a cause_n and_o god_n be_v no_o cause_n thereof_o at_o all_o and_o consequent_o he_o himself_o be_v the_o chief_a cause_n of_o the_o relation_n of_o dissimilitude_n on_o his_o side_n and_o god_n be_v no_o cause_n thereof_o at_o all_o this_o solution_n be_v not_o so_o curious_a as_o plain_a and_o evident_a in_o this_o case_n god_n give_v equal_a help_n to_o both_o all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v by_o a_o objector_n be_v that_o the_o difference_n on_o the_o believer_n part_n come_v not_o from_o god_n different_a help_n but_o withal_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o it_o come_v from_o his_o gracious_a help_n as_o the_o chief_a cause_n upon_o which_o man_n will_n the_o subordinate_a cause_n be_v whole_o dependent_a and_o the_o praise_n of_o this_o difference_n must_v go_v according_o in_o short_a man_n will_n be_v the_o subject_n of_o the_o difference_n on_o both_o side_n and_o on_o the_o believer_n side_n god_n be_v the_o chief_a and_o man_n the_o subordinate_a cause_n but_o on_o the_o unbeliever_n side_n man_n be_v chief_a and_o god_n be_v no_o cause_n at_o all_o of_o the_o difference_n as_o for_o the_o apostle_n word_n who_o make_v thou_o to_o differ_v they_o may_v be_v well_o thus_o expound_v who_o give_v thou_o that_o by_o which_o thou_o differe_v as_o he_o himself_o expound_v it_o in_o the_o word_n follow_v what_o have_v thou_o that_o thou_o have_v not_o receive_v 36._o special_a and_o more_o abundant_a grace_n may_v be_v ordinary_o vouchsafe_v to_o the_o elect_n and_o wherein_o it_o lie_v it_o be_v probable_a that_o god_n give_v from_o time_n to_o time_n a_o more_o special_a and_o abundant_a help_n of_o grace_n for_o the_o more_o abundant_a secure_n of_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o elect_n though_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o make_v their_o salvation_n possible_a nor_o for_o aught_o i_o know_v to_o make_v it_o certain_a i_o say_v this_o be_v probable_a for_o who_o can_v absolute_o determine_v of_o the_o manner_n and_o degree_n of_o the_o operation_n of_o god_n and_o who_o can_v say_v how_o much_o he_o must_v necessary_o do_v if_o he_o will_v ascertain_v a_o effect_n it_o suffice_v we_o to_o know_v that_o god_n do_v effectual_o what_o he_o will_v have_v to_o be_v do_v though_o we_o know_v not_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o it_o and_o who_o can_v tell_v whether_o this_o more_o special_a and_o abundant_a help_n here_o suppose_v to_o be_v probable_a be_v give_v always_o in_o the_o same_o way_n or_o in_o divers_a instance_n in_o divers_a way_n there_o may_v be_v in_o it_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v a_o specialty_n of_o divine_a impress_n on_o the_o soul_n and_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v the_o divine_a impress_n be_v equal_a with_o that_o on_o other_o the_o specialty_n of_o the_o say_a help_n may_v consist_v in_o more_o thorough_o congruous_a mean_n and_o happy_o concur_v providence_n season_n and_o circumstance_n all_o which_o depend_v on_o god_n wise_a disposal_n of_o all_o for_o the_o salvation_n of_o his_o elect_a according_a to_o his_o eternal_a purpose_n because_o we_o can_v trace_v the_o almighty_a in_o the_o way_n of_o his_o infinite_a power_n and_o wisdom_n we_o can_v find_v out_o wherein_o the_o special_a difference_v grace_n do_v in_o various_a instance_n consist_v 27._o in_o what_o respect_n there_o be_v always_o a_o specialty_n of_o grace_n towards_o the_o elect._n whatsoever_o equality_n of_o divine_a help_n in_o respect_n of_o internal_a influence_n on_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o congruity_n of_o external_n means_n and_o all_o concur_v providence_n may_v be_v imagine_v towards_o several_a person_n in_o some_o of_o who_o the_o save_a effect_n follow_v and_o in_o other_o not_o nevertheless_o there_o be_v always_o a_o specialty_n of_o grace_n towards_o the_o elect_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o divine_a decree_n god_n gracious_a purpose_n of_o the_o save_v effect_n be_v comprehend_v under_o the_o term_n grace_n the_o scripture_n mention_n the_o election_n of_o grace_n rom._n 11._o 5._o god_n purpose_n and_o grace_n 2._o tim._n 1._o 9_o and_o be_v predestinate_v according_a to_o the_o purpose_n of_o he_o who_o work_v all_o thing_n after_o the_o counsel_n of_o his_o own_o will_n eph._n 1._o 11._o whosoever_o god_n save_v he_o eternal_o decree_v to_o save_v they_o for_o it_o be_v undeniable_a that_o whatsoever_o god_n do_v in_o time_n he_o eternal_o purpose_v to_o do_v the_o same_o and_o in_o the_o same_o order_n though_o the_o decree_n of_o god_n which_o never_o fail_v do_v ascertain_v the_o salvation_n of_o the_o elect_n yet_o the_o negation_n of_o the_o decree_n as_o have_v be_v before_o show_v be_v not_o the_o negation_n of_o any_o thing_n causal_o necessary_a to_o the_o event_n and_o do_v not_o make_v the_o salvation_n of_o other_o impossible_a any_o more_o than_o the_o negation_n of_o his_o prescience_n do_v and_o god_n have_v not_o discourage_v any_o by_o tell_v they_o they_o be_v not_o elect_a but_o he_o have_v put_v all_o man_n upon_o a_o fair_a trial_n in_o hope_n 38._o it_o become_v god_n to_o ascertain_v the_o salvation_n of_o some_o but_o not_o of_o all_o upon_o the_o great_a performance_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o redemption_n of_o the_o world_n that_o some_o shall_v be_v save_v be_v evident_o congruous_a to_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n and_o thereupon_o that_o he_o have_v eternal_o purpose_a the_o salvation_n of_o some_o be_v as_o evident_a he_o have_v indeed_o eternal_o will_v all_o the_o good_a that_o come_v to_o pass_v and_o therefore_o more_o especial_o the_o salvation_n of_o they_o that_o be_v save_v it_o be_v also_o evident_a that_o according_a to_o that_o purpose_n he_o do_v ascertain_v their_o salvation_n by_o such_o a_o operation_n of_o grace_n towards_o they_o as_o shall_v infallible_o effect_v it_o whatsoever_o degree_n of_o free_a agency_n under_o divine_a grace_n they_o themselves_o have_v about_o it_o from_o how_o absolute_a a_o decree_n soever_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o elect_n do_v proceed_v yet_o it_o be_v effect_v no_o other_o way_n in_o those_o that_o have_v the_o use_n of_o reason_n than_o upon_o their_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n though_o the_o perseverance_n of_o the_o elect_n be_v absolute_o decree_v i_o mean_v absolute_o in_o the_o sense_n before_o give_v under_o the_o head_n of_o election_n yet_o this_o crown_v gift_n be_v receive_v upon_o condition_n of_o their_o care_n and_o diligence_n both_o to_o prevent_v their_o fall_n and_o backslide_n and_o when_o they_o have_v fall_v or_o slidden_a back_n to_o recover_v themselves_o but_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n do_v not_o lead_v he_o to_o ascertain_v the_o salvation_n of_o all_o it_o suffice_v that_o his_o goodness_n have_v make_v all_o man_n salvable_a but_o it_o be_v very_o agreeble_a to_o his_o holy_a and_o wise_a government_n of_o man_n in_o a_o state_n of_o trial_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v various_a measure_n of_o the_o gracious_a help_n and_o mean_n that_o he_o afford_v and_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v various_a event_n and_o issue_n thereof_o that_o few_o comparative_o shall_v be_v save_v be_v christ_n own_o assertion_n and_o that_o it_o be_v so_o it_o be_v not_o through_o any_o omission_n on_o god_n part_n who_o have_v ample_o provide_v for_o the_o salvation_n of_o those_o to_o who_o the_o gospel_n be_v publish_v and_o to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n the_o justice_n of_o his_o grace_n be_v not_o want_v they_o have_v the_o natural_a revelation_n of_o god_n reconcileableness_n to_o sinner_n upon_o their_o repentance_n and_o conversion_n to_o he_o which_o if_o they_o be_v not_o want_v to_o themselves_o may_v be_v improve_v to_o the_o obtain_n of_o supernatural_a revelation_n or_o at_o least_o such_o great_a help_n as_o may_v be_v sufficient_a for_o they_o finis_fw-la