Sometime the word [Power] is taken ⟨p. 241⟩Ethically and less properly, for a disposition▪ Inclination, Habit or Freedom from the contrary habit or disposition. And in this sense its true, that none but the effectually called have a Power to Believe. But then observe, 1. That this is but a moral less proper, and not a Physical proper Impotency: And therefore Austin chooseth rather •o say that all men have power to believe, but all have not a Will, or Faith it self? because we use to difference Power from willingness; and willingness actuateth the Power which we had before. And therefore our Divines choose rather to call Grace a Habit when they speak exactly, then a Power; and Dr. Twiss derides the Arminians for talking of a Power subjected in a Power 2. Note that this Impotency is but the same thing with you unwillingness and wilful blindness, in another word. 3. Note that this Impotency is long of your selves as to the Original, and much more as to the not-curing and removing of it, Hath God given you no means towards the cure of this disability, which you have neglected? 4. Note that this Impotency is no just excuse but an Aggravation of your sin. If you were willing to be the servant of Christ, and yet were not Able, either because he would not accept you or because of a want of natural faculties, or because of some other natural difficulty which the willingest mind could ⟨p. 242⟩not overcome, this were some Excuse: But to be Habitually wilful in refusing Grace, is worse then to be merely Actually unwilling. If a man have so accustomed himself to murder, drunkenness, stealing, or the like wickedness, so far that he cannot leave it, will you therefore forgive him, or will any Judge or Jury hold him excused? Or rather think him the more unfit for mercy? 5. Note also that the want of a supernatural Habit, no nor the presence of the contrary Habit, do not Efficiently determine the will to particular acts: much less take away its natural Freedom. 6. And that till Habits attain an utter predominancy, (at least) there is a Power remaining in the will to resist them, and use means against them. Though Eventually the perverse Inclination may hinder the use of it.
Sometime the word [Power] is taken ⟨p. 241⟩Ethically and less properly, for a disposition▪ Inclination, Habit or Freedom from the contrary habit or disposition. And in this sense its true, that none but the effectually called have a Power to Believe. But then observe, 1. That this is but a moral less proper, and not a Physical proper Impotency: And therefore Austin chuseth rather •o say that all men have power to believe, but all have not a Will, or Faith it self? because we use to difference Power from willingness; and willingness actuateth the Power which we had before. And therefore our Divines choose rather to call Grace a Habit when they speak exactly, then a Power; and Dr. Twiss derides the Arminians for talking of a Power subjected in a Power 2. Note that this Impotency is but the same thing with you unwillingness and wilful blindness, in another word. 3. Note that this Impotency is long of your selves as to the Original, and much more as to the not-curing and removing of it, Hath God given you no means towards the cure of this disability, which you have neglected? 4. Note that this Impotency is nnjust excuse but an Aggravation of your sin. If you were willing to be the servant of Christ, and yet were not Able, either because he would not accept you or because of a want of natural faculties, or because of some other naural difficulty which the willingest mind could ⟨p. 242⟩not overcome, this were some Excuse: But to be Habitually wilful in refusing Grace, is worse then to be meerly Actually unwilling. If a man have so accustomed himself to murder, drunkeness, stealing, or the like wickedness, so far that he cannot leave it, will you therefore forgive him, or will any Judge or Jury hold him excused? Or rather think him the more unfit for mercy? 5. Note also that the want of a supernatural Habit, no nor the presence of the contrary Habit, do not Efficiently determine the will to particular acts: much less take away its natural Fre••om. 6. And that till Habits attain an utter predominancy, (at least) there is a Power remaining in the will to resist them, and use means against them. Though Eventually the perverse Inclination may hinder the use of it.
