A27064:1102
Universal redemption of mankind, by the Lord Jesus Christ stated and cleared by the…
Universal redemption of mankind, by the Lord Jesus Christ stated and cleared by the late learned Mr. Richard Barter [sic] ; whereunto is added a short account of Special redemption, by the same author.
London: printed for John Salusbury, 1694
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.
3. And where it may be said that Wicked men may believe it.
I Answer, It is true, but not with that deep, intense, effectual, operative Belief, which is savingly sincere when the Scripture requireth believing, and condemneth for want of it, it always implieth the necessary modification, even that the Act be in some measure answerable to the nature of its object. It still means [sincere, cordial believing] though it do not alway express it; (nor were it convenient so to ⟨p. 376⟩do.) And so undeniably doth this Text. And this Assent no wicked man can have.
4. The Text plainly evinceth the falsehood of the objection, and shows that it is a saving Faith that is here mentioned, and is opposed to the Unbelief here condemned. For it saith [He that Believeth hath the witness in himself] which beyond dispute is the Holy Ghost, which is Christs great witness in the World, especially in the Souls of Believers. And it is the Holy Ghost in such a kind as is common to all true Believers; or else the proposition were not universally true; And this must needs be, if not only, yet chiefly, the Holy Ghost illuminating and sanctifying. And to this is the condemned Unbelief directly opposed in the next words, [He that Believeth not God, hath made him a Liar.]
4. The Text plainly evinceth the falshood of the objection, and shews that it is a saving Faith that is here mentioned, and is opposed to the Unbelief here condemned. For it saith [He that Believeth hath the witness in himself] which beyond dispute is the Holy Ghost, which is Christs great witness in the World, especially in the Souls of Believers. And it is the Holy Ghost in such a kind as is common to all true Believers; or else the proposition were not universally true; And this must needs be, if not only, yet chiefly, the Holy Ghost illuminating and sanctifying. And to this is the condemned Unbelief directly opposed in the next words, [He that Believeth not God, hath made him a Lyar.]