The life of faith in three parts, the first is a sermon on Heb.…

That there is such a thing, is evident in Adams case, who had that grace which was necessary to his forbearing the first sin (or else farewell all Religion.) And there are few men will deny but that all men have still such a degree of help for many duties which they do not perform; and against many sins which they do not forbear; (as to forbear an oath, or a lye, or a cup of drink, to go to Church when they go to an Alehouse, &c.) Such a thing therefore there is, and such a power mans will hath to do or not do, when such a degree only of help is given.

Therefore we have reason enough to suppose 1. That such a degree of the Spirits help is given under the bare Teachings of the Creature, or to them that have no outward light but natural revelation, as is necessary to the foresaid ends and uses of that Light or Means, that is, to convince man that there is a God, and what he is, as aforesaid, and that we are his subjects and beneficiaries, and owe him our chiefest love and service, and to convince them of the need of some further supernatural revelation. Not that every one hath this measure of spiritual help; for some by abusing the help which they have, to learn the Alphabet of Nature, or to practise it, do forfeit that help which should bring them into Natures higher forms. But so much as I have mentioned of the help of the Spirit is given to those that do not grossly forfeit it by abuse, among the Pagans of the world: And so much multitudes have attained.

Therefore we have reason enough to suppose 1. That such a degree of the Spirits help is given under the bare Teachings of the Creature, or to them that have no outward light but natural revelation, as is necessary to the foresaid ends and uses of that Light or Means, that is, to convince man that there is a God, and what he is, as aforesaid, and that we are his subjects and ben•ficiaries, and owe him our chi•fest love and service, and to convince them of the need of some further supernatural revelation. Not that every one hath this measure of spiritual help; for some by abusing the help which they have, to learn the Alphabet of Nature, or to practise it, do forfeit that help which should bring them into Natures higher forms. But so much as I have mentioned of the help of the Spirit is given to those that do not grosly forfeit it by abuse, among the Pagans of the world: And so much multitudes have attained.