A26923:683
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.
§. 17. These things considered, it appeareth that we are commonly agreed as followeth: 1. That all Men have natural Powers and Free-will to good, even spiritual good; that is, Whenever such good is chosen or willed, it is done by the natural Power or Faculty; and when it is not willed, it is not for want of a natural Faculty, but its due Disposition.
§. 18. 2ly. That as to Civil or Law-power and Liberty, all men have much more than Liberty granted them by God to repent and believe. For Helps and a Command are more than Leave or Liberty: But Liberty from the Penalty for sin, belongeth only to the pardoned.
§. 19. 3ly. That as to Ethical Power and Liberty, which lieth in a right Disposition of mans Faculties, every man hath it so far as Grace hath prevailed, and wrought it in him, and none any further.
§. 20. Or as Liberty is denominated from the Evil which we are free from, 1. All mens wills are free from being constrained to sin, 1 By natural inclination of the faculties themselves; 2. Or by the senses; 3. Or by Objects; 4. Or by Men; 5. Or by Devils; 6. Or by God: Because the rest cannot ⟨p. 179⟩