A treatise of original sin ... proving that it is

Some Observations concerning the Promoters of the Doctrine of Free-Will, how Unpleasing the contrary Doctrine is to flesh and blood, with some advice about it.

Secondly take notice, That it is the great purpose and design of some to go contrary to the plain intent of the Scripture; For many in all ages of the Church have (with all their learning and parts) endeavoured to set up this Idol of Free-will, whereas the great drift of the Scripture is to advance and set up the free grace and free gift of God: The Apostles they write to debase man and to exalt the grace of God; Erroneous persons, they dispute, and write, to exalt the will of man, and to take off from the grace of God; What a loud trumpet is Paul in his Epistles to sound forth the praises of free grace, not only ⟨p. 309⟩free grace in justification, but free grace also in sanctification? It's the grace of God that doth not only pardon the guilt of sin, but conquer the power of it: Consider then whether it be better, to set up Dagon or the Ark, the free-will of man, or the free gift and grace of God. Truly it is a very uncomfortable task, to be disputing against that grace, which yet we must wholly rely upon, when we come to die. It is one thing what men write while they are in health, what cobweb-distinctions they please themselves with in their voluminous writings, and another thing when they are in the agonies of death, and are to appear at the tribunal of a righteous God. It was that (which that famous Champion for the grace of God) Bradwardine comforted himself with, when he undertook the cause of God against Pelagians, That he could pray for the grace of God, to help him in his undertakings, to be present with him, and to direct him, whereas his adversaries could not do so. And indeed how can an Arminian, or a Pelagian with any of those Naturists, cordially pray for the grace of God to assist them, while they write against grace, and patronize free-will? Let them sacrifice to their own nets, to their own parts and abilities; It's from their will that grace is efficacious. This arrogancy is like that of the Heathens, whose saying was, Ignavis opus est auxilio Dei, It is only the sluggish that need the help of God: Yea Tully argueth the case, That we are not beholding to God for our virtue; therefore (saith he) our ancestors have praised the gods for their success and outward advantages, but never for their virtues; Happily it is awe and reverence that men bear to the Christian Religion, that keepeth them from such blasphemous expressions;