The rule of faith, or, An exposition of the Apostles Creed so handled as…

4. I add, effectually called, to exclude Hypocrites and carnal men that enjoy the means, but obey it not, and to include the work of the Holy Ghost, making the hearts of the Elect to answer to Gods call, and obey his voice: for by the Spirit God speaks also internally to their hearts.

4. I adde, effectually called, to exclude Hypocrites and carnall men that enioy the meanes, but obey it not, and to include the worke of the Holy Ghost, making the hearts of the Elect to answer to Gods call, and obey his voice: for by the Spirit God speakes also internally to their hearts.

5. I add, the Word ordinarily, to show that though God is pleased to bind men to the use of the means, yet he himself is not tied, but can work without the means: and so it may give us occasion to inform our selves in divers cases: as first, in the case of such, as live in places where the means is not, nor can be had. It is possible that God extraordinarily may work conversion in some men in such places; which was the case of Cornelius living in Caesarea, Act. 10. Secondly, in the case of Infants, who do belong to the Church by virtue of Gods Covenant, though they live not to receive conversion by the preaching of the Gospel; for Christ saith of Infants, Theirs is the kingdom of God. Thirdly, in the case of such as live in Paganish and idolatrous places, as in the times of the darkness of Popery, or in the case, where men are by violence carried away and brought up in idolatrous places; ⟨p. 560⟩God may have a remnant amongst them, that belong to his election, and are in time truly called; as in the days of Elijah, in the kingdom of the ten Tribes under the reign of Ahab. Fourthly, in the case of such as are borne deaf, or become so before they are capable of receiving the Gospel, they being borne of godly parents, may belong to the Church as Infants do: I say, God that knows his own from eternity, may even amongst them, by the supply of the Spirit, make members of the Church. Besides, seeing the Holy Ghost doth not need special instruments to work withal; sometimes he may work that by the eyes of the deaf, which he doth by the ears of others; for by their eyes he may pour in an eternal light into their minds. Lastly, the case of such as are destitute of understanding by nature, or disease, is very hard, because they want reason, and so are incapable of faith: and if we say, that the Holy Ghost may infuse an inward light, then it is clear they cease to be fools or mad-men: In this case therefore we must religiously and charitably suspend, and leave Gods work to himself.