A27064:1324
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.
II. And I do not say, that God hath any where promised to give men Special Grace, if they will use well their Common Grace. For God hath not thought meet to make any such Covenant with Unbelievers; nor to engage himself to them, but when he giveth the first Special Grace for Repenting and Believing he doth it as not pre-engaged to do it; and therefore as Dominus Absolutus, and not per legem premiantem. (And therefore the Papists in their Language say, the first Grace is not of merit, at least of Condignity.)
Obj. Then they that come not the first step are excusable; for if they had come to the step next Believing, they had no assurance that Christ would have given them Faith.
Ans. No such matter: For though they had no assurance, they had both Gods Command to seek more Grace, and sufficient encouragement ⟨p. 438⟩thereto: They had such as Mr. Cotton calls half promises, that is a discovery of a possibility, and high degree of probability of obtaining; as Peter to Simon [Pray if perhaps the thoughts of thy heart may be forgiven.]