A treatise of Mr. Cottons clearing certain doubts concerning predestination together with an examination…A treatise of Mr. Cottons clearing certaine doubts concerning predestination together with an examination…

Now the first of these cannot be; for persuasion hath no power to change the nature of ought, and work new powers in it, which are not wrought without giving a new life. And indeed persuasion tends rather to move men to do that which they have power to do, then from thence to receive a power of doing. We do not persuade men, ut possint aliquid facere, ⟨p. 271⟩sed ut velint, & ut faciant, to be able to do ought, but to move them to be willing to do it.

Now the first of these cannot bee; for perswasion hath no power to change the nature of ought, and work new powers in it, which are not wrought without giving a new life. And indeed perswasion tends rather to move men to doe that which they have power to doe, then from thence to receive a power of doing. Wee doe not perswade men, ut possint aliquid facere, ⟨p. 271⟩sed ut velint, & ut faciant, to bee able to do ought, but to move them to bee willing to doe it.

If by immediate inspiration giving a new life, then it follows that regeneration is a common grace, possible at least, given to them as well without the Covenant of grace, as to them within: to the Reprobates as well as to the Elect, and that upon performance of a work of nature. And because it were in vain to speak of upholding it after it is given, unless it were given indeed, you imply hereby that even this power is given to Reprobates. But whereas it is to be upholden but upon condition, yet you do not express what this condition is. But I guess the condition hereof is the exercising of this power; like as upon the exercising of the power which God gave Angels and Adam, before the fall, they had been confirmed in their integrity. But what if they do not believe or repent for a year or two together; yet I presume you will not say they are thereupon deprived of this power, but that it continueth for ought we know to the contrary to their lives end; though it fell out quite contrarily with Angels and Adam, who immediately upon their disobedience were deprived of this power. What is your meaning when you say, God offers mankind in Christ, greater grace and helps to keep the Covenant of works, then after the fall they could have attained to without Christ, I cannot easily comprehend, and throughout find you very close and reserved hereupon, which to speak like a free man, is no good dealing.