A26974:937
Of justification four disputations clearing and amicably defending the truth against the unnecessary oppositions…
Of justification four disputations clearing and amicably defending the truth against the unnecessary oppositions of divers learned and reverend brethren / by Richard Baxter ...
London: printed by R.W. for Nevil Simmons, 1658
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.
Pag. 385. MR. W. saith [It's worth the observing how to evade the Distinction of the Acts of faith, he saith that faith is one act in a moral sense, as Taking a man to be my Prince, Teacher, Physician, &c. and not in a physical sense; for so it is many acts, &c.] And he confuteth me thus: [Here, Reader, see the wit or forgetfulness of the man, who to maintain his own ground, doth often consider faith as Physically seated in the understanding and will; but when we assault him, will not allow us, any Physical, but a moral Acception of it.]
Pag. 385. MR. W. saith [It's worth the observing how to evade the Distinction of the Acts of faith, he saith that faith is one act in a moral sense, as Taking a man to be my Prince, Teacher, Physitian, &c. and not in a physical sence; for so it is many acts, &c.] And he confuteth me thus: [Here, Reader, see the wit or forgetfulness of the man, who to maintain his own ground, doth often consider faith as Physically seated in the understanding and will; but when we assault him, will not allow us, any Physical, but a moral Acception of it.]
Answer A most gross untruth! (and that's an Arguing that Faith needeth not) Your forgery is not only without ground, and contrary to my plain and frequent words, but contrary to the express words that you draw your Observation from. I say faith Physically taken, is many acts; but morally taken it is one work: Hence you call out to the Reader to observe, that I will not allow you any Physical but a Moral Acception of it.] Is it fit to Dispute with such dealing as this? Do you think that I or any man of brains doth doubt whether faith be a Physical Act (except them of late that take it to be but a Passion and a Nominal action?) Surely all know that it is an Act in order of Nature, before it is a moral act. Actus moralis, is first actus Physicus. Though Moraliter actus, i. e. actus Reputativus, may be but a non-acting Physically: He that wilfully famisheth his own child, doth kill him morally or reputatively, and so is moraliter agens, that is, Reputative. But he that cherisheth him is an Agent natural and moral, that is, ⟨p. 306⟩Ethical or Virtuous. I wonder what made you think me of such an opinion that I have so much wrote against?