A30345:684
A treatise of the covenant of grace wherein the gradual breakings out of Gospel…A treatise of the covenant of grace wherein the graduall breakings out of Gospel…
A treatise of the covenant of grace wherein the gradual breakings out of Gospel grace from Adam to Christ are clearly discovered, the differences betwixt the Old and New Testament are laid open, divers errors of Arminians and others are confuted, the nature of uprightness, and the way of Christ in bringing the soul into communion with himself ... are solidly handled / by that faithful servant of Jesus Christ, and minister of the Gospel, John Ball ; published by Simeon Ash.A treatise of the covenant of grace wherein the graduall breakings out of Gospel grace from Adam to Christ are clearly discovered, the differences betwixt the Old and New Testament are laid open, divers errours of Arminians and others are confuted, the nature of uprightnesse, and the way of Christ in bringing the soul into communion with himself ... are solidly handled / by that faithfull servant of Jesus Christ, and minister of the Gospel, John Ball ; published by Simeon Ash.
London: printed by G. Miller for Edward Brewster, 1645
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.
Vocation is partly external, partly internal. External, by the Ministry of the Word, ordinarily propounded by men, extraordinarily propounded immediately of God to the mind and will without the help of man. God doth sometimes use the ministry of private persons to bring men unto faith and repentance,1 and he is pleased to bless the word of Exhortation or admonition spoken by them: but ordinarily he maketh use of his messengers and servants to that purpose. Therefore our Saviour sent2 forth his Disciples to preach unto all nations: and the Ministers are called Gods Fellow-helpers or Labourers, Planters, Waterers, Ministers by whom the Church believeth. I deny not but in some cases men may be converted by reading, or studying the Scriptures, seeing it is the matter and not the manner which doth convert: and it cannot be showed that God will not work ⟨p. 327⟩by reading, when the preaching of the Word is not neglected. The knowledge of arts and tongues may be acquired by good books, but most ordinary by instruction by lively voice: and best, when both are exercised with diligence and care: and so by the reading of the Scriptures a man may obtain faith, but most commonly it cometh by the hearing of faith, though they profit most that join both together.
Vocation is partly externall, partly internall. Externall, by the Ministery of the Word, ordinarily propounded by men, extraordinarily propounded immediately of God to the minde and will without the help of man. God doth sometimes use the ministery of private persons to bring men unto faith and repentance,1 and he is pleased to blesse the word of Exhortation or admonition spoken by them: but ordinarily he maketh use of his messengers and servants to that purpose. Therefore our Saviour sent2 forth his Disciples to preach unto all nations: and the Ministers are called Gods Fellow-helpers or Labourers, Planters, Waterers, Ministers by whom the Church beleeveth. I deny not but in some cases men may be converted by reading, or studying the Scriptures, seeing it is the matter and not the manner which doth convert: and it cannot be shewed that God will not work