A26923:389
An end of doctrinal controversies which have lately troubled the churches
An end of doctrinal controversies which have lately troubled the churches by reconciling explication without much disputing. Written by Richard Baxter.
London: printed for John Salusbury, 1691
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
§. 11. The word [Moral Power] signifieth, 1. Sometimes a Power to moral actions, (and so natural Power in Man is also moral in some degree.) 2. Sometimes a Holy Disposition, especially in the Will, to such holy moral actions; which is the Rectitude of our natural Powers, or the Health of them in a saving degree or sort, and is the Gift of Grace, since Sin departed. 3. Most frequently I use the words for such a degree of God's helping or healing Influx or Grace, as is short of a Habit for promptitude and facility, but yet puts the soul in such a disposition, by which Man can do the Act, (and it may come to pass without more Grace whether it do or not) which the Dominicans call Sufficient Grace, and I rather call Necessary Grace. 4. Sometimes it is meant (as causa moralis) for that which is Power Reputatively.
§. 12. Power hath several degrees: some can act easily, yea, is hardly restrained: some can act with difficulty, yet constantly: some difficultly and very rarely: some can act, but the Impediments are so great, and its weakness such, as that it never will do what it can: And these we call a moral Impotency; as being reputative impotency, in these three last degrees.
§. 13. Sin hath debilitated Man's very natural Vivacity and Activity to things spiritual, and also darkened and undisposed his Understanding to them; but especially disaffected him, and perverted his will, with an indisposition, averseness and enmity to God. And none of these are cured, but by the Grace of Christ; quickening (or strengthening and awakening) illuminating and converting the Soul. (Of which more after in due place.)
§. 13. Sin hath debilituted Man's very natural Vivacity and Activity to things spiritual, and also darkened and undisposed his Understanding to them; but especially dis•ffected him, and perverted his will, with an indisposition, averseness and enmity to God. And none of these are cured, but by the Grace of Christ; quickening (or strengthening and awakening) illuminating and converting the Soul. (Of which more after in due place.)