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
25._o the_o help_n of_o divine_a grace_n be_v infer_v from_o the_o law_n of_o grace_n the_o suppose_n of_o a_o matter_n to_o be_v our_o duty_n do_v not_o infer_v that_o we_o may_v in_o our_o fall_v state_n reasonable_o expect_v a_o sufficient_a help_n to_o perform_v it_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o keep_v god_n law_n perfect_o but_o sufficient_a grace_n thereunto_o be_v not_o give_v god_n may_v just_o require_v of_o we_o what_o he_o once_o give_v we_o power_n to_o do_v after_o we_o give_v sinful_o lose_v that_o power_n yet_o when_o god_n have_v make_v with_o man_n a_o conditional_a covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o have_v require_v of_o they_o the_o acceptance_n of_o his_o covenant_n and_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o condition_n upon_o a_o promise_n of_o the_o benefit_n let_v it_o be_v consider_v whether_o it_o do_v not_o thence_o follow_v that_o it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o his_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n to_o vouchsafe_v they_o that_o help_v which_o be_v necessary_a thereunto_o by_o necessary_a help_n i_o mean_v that_o which_o be_v immediate_o or_o mediate_o sufficient_a that_o be_v to_o say_v either_o immediate_o to_o per_fw-la from_o the_o condition_n themselves_o or_o to_o perform_v mediate_a act_n tend_v thereunto_o upon_o performance_n whereof_o more_o help_n come_v till_o it_o reach_v to_o a_o immediate_a sufficiency_n let_v it_o be_v consider_v whether_o it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n declare_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n to_o leave_v those_o to_o who_o he_o have_v propound_v it_o under_o a_o impossibility_n of_o be_v save_v by_o it_o and_o whether_o the_o gospel-off_a be_v a_o act_n of_o grace_n tend_v to_o salvation_n towards_o those_o that_o be_v utter_o destitute_a of_o that_o necessary_a divine_a help_n without_o which_o their_o conversion_n and_o salvation_n be_v moral_o impossible_a a_o offer_n of_o mercy_n upon_o impossible_a term_n one_o will_v think_v be_v no_o mercy_n or_o no_o offer_n if_o grace_n necessary_a to_o the_o acceptance_n of_o the_o gospel-off_a be_v utter_o withhold_v let_v it_o be_v consider_v how_o the_o non-acceptance_n of_o that_o offer_n can_v be_v a_o great_a sin_n than_o the_o bare_a transgression_n of_o the_o law_n of_o work_n and_o be_v call_v the_o condemnation_n or_o the_o great_a damn_v sin_n 26._o the_o duty_n of_o improve_n the_o help_n of_o grace_n prove_v the_o sufficiency_n thereof_o if_o god_n have_v not_o vouchsafe_v to_o fall_v man_n that_o help_v that_o be_v necessary_a for_o his_o recovery_n he_o have_v indeed_o be_v inexcusable_a in_o his_o abide_n in_o sin_n as_o the_o devil_n now_o be_v but_o i_o can_v see_v how_o he_o have_v be_v inexcusable_a for_o the_o neglect_n of_o his_o recovery_n if_o he_o have_v be_v utter_o destitute_a of_o that_o necessary_a help_n but_o now_o god_n give_v of_o outward_a mean_n and_o inward_a help_n of_o grace_n infer_v our_o duty_n of_o improve_n they_o and_o our_o inexcusableness_n in_o the_o neglect_n of_o they_o and_o this_o seem_v to_o i_o necessary_o to_o imply_v that_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o improvable_a and_o that_o we_o have_v power_n to_o improve_v they_o every_o man_n be_v culpable_a in_o not_o fulfil_v the_o whole_a law_n without_o the_o least_o breach_n thereof_o because_o the_o unalterable_a law_n of_o god_n and_o the_o power_n that_o be_v once_o give_v but_o now_o lose_v oblige_v he_o to_o it_o but_o no_o man_n be_v culpable_a for_o not_o improve_n the_o help_n of_o grace_n to_o that_o perfect_a fulfil_n of_o the_o law_n because_o no_o man_n have_v receive_v a_o help_n sufficient_a thereunto_o a_o unconverted_a person_n be_v culpable_a in_o not_o turn_v to_o god_n because_o the_o law_n of_o god_n unalterable_o oblige_v he_o to_o cease_v from_o sin_n but_o he_o will_v not_o be_v culpable_a for_o non-improvement_n of_o help_n and_o mean_n if_o they_o be_v not_o improvable_a but_o utter_o insufficient_a thereunto_o not_o improve_n evident_o note_v one_o not_o do_v not_o only_o what_o he_o shall_v but_o what_o he_o may_v do_v and_o that_o he_o be_v want_v to_o himself_o when_o nothing_o necessary_a be_v want_v nothing_o be_v improvable_a beyond_o its_o sufficiency_n and_o mean_v in_o themselves_o improvable_a be_v not_o improvable_a with_o respect_n to_o we_o if_o we_o have_v no_o power_n of_o improve_n they_o if_o the_o case_n be_v such_o that_o man_n shall_v be_v condemn_v for_o the_o non-improvement_n of_o any_o help_v external_a or_o internal_a when_o they_o be_v destitute_a of_o a_o further_a help_n without_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o they_o shall_v improve_v they_o any_o one_o will_v think_v that_o it_o be_v better_o for_o they_o to_o be_v without_o those_o help_n and_o indeed_o how_o can_v they_o be_v true_o call_v help_n or_o mean_n to_o those_o that_o be_v under_o a_o moral_a impossibility_n of_o improve_n they_o to_o that_o intent_n whereunto_o they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v vouchsafe_v 27._o of_o god_n expostulation_n isa._n 5._o 4._o god_n in_o expostulate_v with_o his_o people_n sai_z what_o can_v i_o have_v do_v to_o my_o vineyard_n more_o than_o i_o have_v do_v in_o it_o this_o may_v be_v as_o well_o render_v what_o shall_v i_o have_v do_v etc._n etc._n or_o what_o have_v i_o to_o do_v more_o this_o expostulation_n be_v very_o congruous_a to_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n under_o which_o the_o jew_n be_v and_o it_o suppose_v that_o they_o have_v sufficient_a or_o necessary_a grace_n to_o do_v the_o good_a they_o do_v not_o and_o immediate_o sufficient_a to_o act_n tend_v to_o conversion_n and_o mediate_o sufficient_a to_o conversion_n and_o that_o they_o have_v internal_a as_o well_o as_o external_n help_v and_o that_o god_n do_v for_o they_o as_o much_o as_o be_v meet_v on_o his_o part_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o say_a covenant_n 28._o of_o the_o different_a state_n of_o man_n in_o respect_n of_o divine_a help_n manifest_a experience_n show_v that_o all_o man_n have_v not_o help_v immediate_o sufficient_a to_o conversion_n and_o salvation_n for_o many_o be_v under_o a_o present_a moral_a impossibility_n of_o perform_v any_o save_v act_n as_o obdurate_a sinner_n and_o such_o as_o be_v ignorant_a of_o thing_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v know_v and_o do_v such_o may_v have_v have_v former_o more_o help_v which_o now_o they_o have_v sin_v away_o nevertheless_o i_o conceive_v that_o all_o who_o have_v the_o use_n of_o reason_n may_v have_v help_v immediate_o sufficient_a to_o intermediate_v act_n tend_v to_o conversion_n by_o the_o use_n whereof_o there_o may_v be_v advancement_n to_o further_a help_n and_o a_o near_a approach_n towards_o salvation_n though_o the_o mere_a non-donation_n of_o more_o special_a and_o abundant_a grace_n be_v arbitrary_a with_o god_n yet_o the_o positive_a denegation_n of_o further_a necessary_a grace_n be_v penal_a and_o the_o act_n of_o a_o righteous_a judge_n towards_o those_o who_o neglect_v what_o they_o have_v receive_v isa._n 6._o 9_o matth._n 13._o 14._o yet_o god_n may_v and_o not_o seldom_o do_v remit_v that_o penalty_n and_o vouchsafe_v that_o further_a help_v which_o be_v forfeit_v according_a to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o his_o own_o will._n many_o that_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o judicial_a hardness_n be_v not_o destitute_a of_o help_n sufficient_a to_o many_o act_n material_o good_a and_o to_o avoid_v many_o sin_n especial_o of_o the_o outward_a deed_n which_o if_o they_o will_v then_o make_v use_n of_o as_o they_o be_v able_a and_o hold_v on_o therein_o they_o may_v recover_v that_o great_a help_n that_o be_v withdraw_v 29._o the_o most_o hopeful_a way_n of_o receive_v more_o grace_n though_o god_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o free_a grace_n and_o rich_a mercy_n sometime_o convert_v those_o who_o have_v more_o wilful_o and_o heinous_o oppose_v his_o grace_n yet_o the_o great_a opposition_n do_v not_o make_v conversion_n more_o hopeful_a but_o more_o difficult_a and_o less_o hopeful_a though_o not_o desperate_a so_o far_o we_o be_v hopeful_a as_o we_o be_v yield_v to_o god_n the_o gradual_a progress_n of_o earnest_a care_n and_o industry_n in_o use_v the_o grace_n receive_v be_v the_o very_a way_n and_o the_o only_a ordinary_a way_n by_o which_o god_n effectual_o call_v those_o who_o have_v attain_v to_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n even_o they_o who_o be_v convert_v do_v before_o their_o conversion_n in_o some_o degree_n resist_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o some_o of_o they_o more_o heinous_o yet_o when_o god_n draw_v they_o by_o his_o effectual_a grace_n they_o come_v free_o with_o heart_n and_o goodwill_n and_o because_o there_o be_v a_o reluctancy_n in_o part_n in_o the_o very_a time_n or_o in_o the_o instant_n immediate_o before_o the_o turn_a act_n make_v by_o the_o opposite_a principle_n convert_v in_o turn_v do_v not_o only_o yield_v to_o god_n but_o earnest_o reach_v after_o he_o with_o a_o strive_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
posse_fw-la and_o in_o this_o regard_n that_o rule_n posita_fw-la causa_fw-la in_o actu_fw-la sequitur_fw-la effectus_fw-la be_v not_o here_o gainsay_v for_o sufficient_a grace_n where_o the_o good_a act_n do_v not_o follow_v be_v causa_fw-la in_o actu_fw-la only_o of_o the_o posse_fw-la or_o moral_a power_n which_o effect_n exist_v and_o so_o the_o operation_n be_v not_o without_o effect_n and_o the_o good_a act_n do_v not_o follow_v because_o the_o moral_a power_n give_v by_o sufficient_a grace_n be_v in_o act_n of_o existence_n only_o but_o not_o of_o causation_n 7._o of_o grace_n sufficient_a to_o conversion_n that_o do_v not_o effect_v it_o that_o grace_n may_v be_v sufficient_a for_o one_o which_o be_v not_o sufficient_a for_o another_o and_o that_o be_v proper_o grace_n sufficient_a to_o conversion_n which_o be_v thereunto_o sufficient_a with_o respect_n to_o the_o person_n particular_a condition_n and_o necessity_n there_o may_v be_v grace_n sufficient_a to_o certain_a act_n tend_v to_o conversion_n which_o be_v not_o immediate_o sufficient_a to_o conversion_n itself_o and_o there_o may_v be_v grace_n sufficient_a to_o act_n more_o remote_o and_o in_o a_o low_a degree_n tend_v to_o conversion_n which_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o act_n more_o near_o and_o in_o a_o high_a degree_n tend_v to_o it_o grace_n sufficient_a to_o a_o act_n tend_v to_o conversion_n may_v be_v call_v grace_n mediate_o sufficient_a thereunto_o and_o if_o so_o be_v that_o upon_o the_o improvement_n of_o it_o more_o grace_n from_o time_n to_o time_n gradual_o follow_v it_o may_v end_v in_o grace_n immediate_o sufficient_a if_o grace_n immediate_o sufficient_a be_v give_v to_o adam_n for_o his_o perseverance_n which_o do_v not_o effect_v it_o if_o the_o like_v be_v give_v to_o the_o regenerate_v whereby_o they_o be_v enable_v to_o do_v more_o good_a in_o the_o save_a kind_n than_o they_o do_v and_o to_o the_o unregenerate_a also_o whereby_o they_o may_v do_v more_o good_a in_o the_o common_a kind_a than_o they_o do_v i_o discern_v no_o reason_n why_o there_o may_v not_o also_o be_v grace_n immediate_o sufficient_a to_o conversion_n which_o do_v not_o effect_v it_o i_o grant_v that_o a_o sinner_n conversion_n may_v be_v a_o effect_n of_o great_a grace_n than_o adam_n perseverance_n will_v have_v be_v and_o than_o the_o good_a act_n of_o the_o regenerate_v be_v for_o there_o be_v in_o adam_n and_o there_o be_v in_o the_o regenerate_v a_o active_a holy_a principle_n or_o disposition_n i_o grant_v that_o man_n in_o his_o fall_a state_n do_v need_v a_o change_n of_o the_o will_n which_o adam_n before_o his_o fall_n do_v not_o and_o the_o regenerate_v do_v not_o need_v but_o this_o change_n of_o the_o will_n be_v no_o other_o than_o conversion_n itself_o and_o why_o there_o may_v not_o be_v sufficient_a grace_n to_o change_v the_o will_n when_o it_o be_v not_o change_v i_o can_v discern_v if_o any_o shall_v say_v there_o be_v no_o such_o grace_n he_o ought_v to_o prove_v it_o from_o the_o evidence_n of_o scripture_n or_o from_o the_o impossibility_n of_o the_o thing_n 8._o whether_o the_o holy_a habit_n be_v effect_v before_o the_o first_o act_n of_o turn_v to_o god_n it_o may_v be_v object_v that_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o habit_n inclination_n or_o principle_n in_o the_o soul_n wherein_o man_n be_v mere_o passive_a be_v first_o in_o order_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o soul_n act_n of_o turn_v to_o god_n be_v consequent_a to_o it_o and_o consequent_o there_o can_v be_v no_o sufficient_a grace_n to_o conversion_n but_o that_o which_o do_v effect_v it_o and_o no_o man_n have_v a_o power_n to_o turn_v to_o god_n before_o the_o holy_a principle_n be_v infuse_v to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o this_o hypothesis_n to_o say_v the_o least_o be_v unnecessary_a and_o unproved_a in_o what_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o habit_n do_v consist_v be_v not_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v as_o whether_o it_o be_v the_o firmness_n and_o vigour_n of_o the_o natural_a faculty_n to_o such_o act_n or_o a_o secret_a inperceptible_a constant_a act_n in_o the_o soul._n but_o whether_o it_o be_v the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n why_o it_o must_v needs_o go_v before_o the_o act_n i_o apprehend_v that_o the_o act_n of_o turn_v to_o god_n be_v before_o that_o holy_a habit_n or_o fix_a principle_n which_o be_v call_v the_o new_a nature_n at_o least_o that_o it_o may_v be_v so_o and_o that_o most_o ordinary_o this_o way_n be_v more_o congruous_a to_o god_n mean_n of_o conversion_n which_o work_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o moral_a cause_n that_o do_v not_o immediate_o beget_v the_o habit_n but_o the_o holy_a act_n or_o act_n and_o the_o habit_n by_o the_o mediation_n thereof_o and_o in_o this_o case_n the_o influx_n and_o impress_n of_o divine_a grace_n be_v instead_o of_o the_o holy_a habit_n and_o the_o habit_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v infuse_v when_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v excite_v the_o soul_n to_o the_o act_n and_o by_o that_o act_n or_o act_n bring_v it_o to_o a_o settle_a habit_n any_o other_o way_n of_o infuse_v habit_n i_o confess_v i_o be_o not_o able_a to_o apprehend_v if_o the_o will_n do_v without_o a_o precedent_a habit_n move_z to_z a_o spiritual_a good_a by_o the_o influx_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o a_o man_n move_v without_o a_o principle_n mere_o by_o a_o extrinsic_a agency_n for_o the_o will_n itself_o excite_v by_o divine_a grace_n be_v a_o intrinsic_a principle_n of_o motion_n as_o a_o man_n move_v himself_o by_o the_o locomotive_a faculty_n so_o he_o will_v the_o object_n by_o the_o volitive_a faculty_n and_o the_o act_n of_o conversion_n be_v not_o by_o god_n extrinsic_a agency_n alone_o but_o also_o by_o a_o intrinsic_a principle_n the_o will_n itself_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o the_o will_n of_o a_o drunkard_n be_v habitual_o change_v from_o drunkenness_n to_o sobriety_n before_o any_o act_n of_o sobriety_n can_v be_v perform_v by_o he_o and_o though_o there_o be_v a_o great_a change_n in_o sanctify_v than_o in_o civilise_v a_o man_n yet_o as_o a_o civil_a or_o common_a act_n may_v precede_v a_o habit_n so_o may_v a_o holy_a act_n if_o a_o man_n may_v commit_v a_o sinful_a act_n without_o a_o previous_a sinful_a habit_n as_o adam_n do_v and_o that_o from_o the_o intrinsic_a principle_n of_o his_o own_o free_a will_n why_o may_v he_o not_o by_o the_o assistance_n of_o divine_a grace_n bring_v forth_o a_o holy_a act_n without_o a_o previous_a holy_a habit_n 9_o the_o actual_a prevalence_n of_o sin_n do_v not_o gainsay_v the_o sufficiency_n of_o grace_n when_o man_n evil_a inclination_n hinder_v the_o good_a effect_n that_o may_v come_v to_o pass_v through_o divine_a grace_n it_o be_v not_o because_o the_o evil_a inclination_n be_v in_o itself_o strong_a than_o the_o grace_n which_o we_o call_v sufficient_a but_o because_o the_o will_n make_v not_o use_v of_o that_o sufficient_a help_n in_o this_o case_n the_o will_n be_v not_o so_o far_o weak_a or_o obnoxious_a to_o deprave_a inclination_n but_o that_o by_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o grace_n give_v it_o may_v prevail_v against_o it_o and_o effect_v the_o good_a that_o be_v design_v in_o that_o assistance_n god_n give_v sufficient_a help_n and_o they_o to_o who_o it_o be_v give_v neglect_v it_o and_o give_v way_n to_o the_o prevalence_n of_o corruption_n which_o may_v have_v be_v overpower_v by_o it_o though_o none_o will_v say_v that_o medicament_n be_v sufficient_a which_o be_v not_o effectual_a when_o they_o be_v due_o apply_v yet_o sufficient_a medicament_n when_o not_o due_o apply_v may_v prove_v uneffectual_a if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o the_o will_n itself_o resist_v the_o divine_a help_n that_o be_v give_v and_o as_o strong_a than_o it_o overcome_v it_o i_o answer_v that_o which_o be_v here_o call_v resistance_n be_v not_o the_o will_n reaction_n upon_o the_o divine_a help_n or_o a_o break_n of_o its_o force_n but_o it_o be_v partly_o its_o wilful_a averseness_n from_o make_v use_n of_o that_o help_n and_o it_o be_v not_o act_v according_o to_o it_o and_o partly_o its_o wilful_a reject_v of_o it_o and_o harden_v itself_o against_o it_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n the_o say_v divine_a help_n be_v in_o its_o full_a force_n and_o virtue_n and_o sufficient_a to_o the_o design_v good_a and_o so_o remain_v till_o god_n withdraw_v it_o in_o his_o just_a indignation_n against_o the_o sinner_n wilful_a neglect_n and_o abuse_v of_o it_o 10._o equal_a grace_n be_v not_o give_v to_o all_o who_o condition_n towards_o god_n antecedent_o be_v equal_a the_o measure_n and_o proportion_n of_o divine_a help_n give_v whether_o it_o be_v alike_o to_o all_o be_v to_o come_v under_o consideration_n in_o equal_a grace_n there_o be_v not_o only_o a_o equality_n of_o divine_a influx_n on_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
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