Certain disputations of right to sacraments, and the true nature of visible Christianity defending…

10. I conceive, that this Reverend Brother granteth in effect the thing which I dispute for, while he affirmeth, that such a Moral Sincerity may be looked after, as that [All Circumstances considered by which Ingenuity is estimate among men, there appears no reason why the man may not, and ought not to be esteemed, as to the matter to think and purpose as he speaketh.] For I plead for no more then this. Object. But this is nothing to the Principle that it proceedeth from; special or common Grace. Answ. A true Repentance, and saving faith, can come from none but a supernatural Principle of special Grace: and therefore he that ⟨p. 27⟩professeth this Repentance and Faith, doth thereby profess that supernatural Principle: therefore, if am bound to believe, that he speaks as he thinks, then I am bound to believe that he is a truly penitent Believer, if he know his own heart: and he is liker to know it better then I.

10. I conceive, that this Reverend Brother granteth in effect the thing which I dispute for, while he affirmeth, that such a Moral Sincerity may be lookt after, as that [All Circumstances considered by which Ingenuity is estimate among men, there appears no reason why the man may not, and ought not to be esteemed, as to the matter to think and purpose as he speaketh.] For I plead for no more then this. Object. But this is nothing to the Principle that it proceedeth from; special or common Grace. Answ. A true Repentance, and saving faith, can come from none but a supernatural Principle of special Grace: and therefore he that ⟨p. 27⟩professeth this Repentance and Faith, doth thereby profess that supernatural Principle: therefore, if am bound to believe, that he speaks as he thinks, then I am bound to believe that he is a truly penitent Believer, if he know his own heart: and he is liker to know it better then I.

Moreover he saith, that [To ground a positive Act of Judgement, that a man is Regenerate, in foro exteriori, there is requisite some seemingness of spiritual sincerity that is, that he doth it from a spiritual principle, motives, &c.] To which I say, that a serious Profession of Faith and Repentance, is a Credible seemingness of Faith and Repentance. And he that professeth true Faith and Repentance, must needs profess them as from a spiritual Principle, and Motives, and to a spiritual End: for they cannot be from any other principle or motives (principally) nor to any other ultimate End.