I know that there is not any 1thing so difficult in humane things but infinite Omnipotency can do it by a word of his Power; to whom it would not be difficult to restore this frailty of Fallen Nature to its Ancient State of Innocency, if he would. And there is no doubt, but he would do it, if 2he had decreed to do as much by his secret Counsel, as he could do by his Infinite Majesty. Now therefore either prove, that all infirmity of the flesh is taken away in the Regenerate, and that they are restored to their former Innocency, which is without all sin, and also freed from a necessity of dying, or cease to dream of that Perfection of Righteousness in this Life, which hitherto hath not been found in any of the Saints, whether Apostles (that I may speak in the words ⟨p. 183⟩of Hierom) or Patriarchs or Prophets. 3phets. But that we may pass by this debate about the Power of God, from which we detract nothing, what shall we say in the mean while of Grace, and his most Gracious loving kindness and good will? What shall we answer to God promising to us? For, What, saith he, hath not God of old engaged his faithfulness, by a most sure Covenant, that be would abolish all our Sins through Christ? Is not this Grace promised to be obvious and prepared for all that are willing to obtain it, which frees Mankind from all Wickedness, which immediately imprints the form of Divine Righteousness upon the minds into which it enters, and furnishes them with most invincible strength, whereby it is possible to destroy Lust, to drive away all the pollutions of the Mind, and extirpate all remainders of filthiness and impurity: 4So that now Lust being subdued, evil concupiscence extinguished, the pravity of a stubborn mind being taken away, the mind being strengthened by the Divine support, it is stirred up with all its desire to the Study of the Divine Law, and most easily keeps the Law of God, and obtains Salvation.
I know that there is not any 1thing so difficult in humane things but infinite Omnipotency can do it by a word of his Power; to whom it would not be difficult to restore this frailty of Fallen Nature to its Antient State of Innocency, if he would. And there is no doubt, but he would do it, if 2he had decreed to do as much by his secret Counsel, as he could do by his Infinite Majesty. Now therefore either prove, that all infirmity of the flesh is taken away in the Regenerate, and that they are restored to their former Innocency, which is without all sin, and also freed from a necessity of dying, or cease to dream of that Perfection of Righteousness in this Life, which hitherto hath not been found in any of the Saints, whether Apostles (that I may speak in the words ⟨p. 183⟩of Hierom) or Patriarchs or Prophets. 3phets. But that we may pass by this debate about the Power of God, from which we detract nothing, what shall we say in the mean while of Grace, and his most Gracious loving kindness and good will? What shall we answer to God promising to us? For, What, saith he, hath not God of old engaged his faithfulness, by a most sure Covenant, that be would ablolish all our Sins through Christ? Is not this Grace promised to be obvious and prepared for all that are willing to obtain it, which frees Mankind from all Wickedness, which immediately imprints the form of Divine Righteousness upon the minds into which it enters, and furnishes them with most invincible strength, whereby it is possible to destroy Lust, to drive away all the pollutions of the Mind, and extirpate all remainders of fi•thiness and impurity: 4So that now Lust being subdued, evil concupiscence extinguished, the pravity of a stubborn mind being taken away, the mind being strengthened by the Divine support, it is stirred up with all its desire to the Study of the Divine Law, and most easily keeps the Law of God, and obtains Salvation.
- 1For it is not the fault of the Commander, but the frailty of the Hearer, that all the world should become subject to God.
- 2Hier. Dial. 2.
- 3Hierom. Dial. 1. A• Answer to the minor Osor. de just. lib. 2. Osor. lib. 40. pag. 89.
- 4De just. lib. 6.
