A69536:39
The judgment of non-conformists about the difference between grace and morality
London : s.n., 1676
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.
8. Whatever good is found in Heathens or Infidels, or ungodly Men, is to be acknowledged and praised proportionably according to its real worth; it being all from God, who must not be robbed of his praise.
9. A Man that hath but Common Grace is better than he would be if he had none, and it is the usual preparatory for special saving Grace. Though many civil temperate persons, by overvaluing Common Good, are hindered from seeking Special Grace, that is not caused by the Good, but by their abuse of it objectively. And though God take occasion from some mens great sins, to affright their Consciences to Repentance and Reformation, that is not caused by the sin, but by Gods Mercy: Sin as remembered is not sin in the act of remembering, nor sin as repented of in repenting; but before in the committing. God may Convert Paul in the act of Persecuting: But Persecuting is not the way or means of Conversion. Special Grace must be sought in the use of Common Grace, and not in a way of negligence, contempt, or wilful sin.
9. A Man that hath but Common Grace is better than he would be if he had none, and it is the usual preparatory for special saving Grace. Though many civil temperate persons, by overvaluing Common Good, are hindred from seeking Special Grace, that is not caused by the Good, but by their abuse of it objectively. And though God take occasion from some mens great sins, to affright their Consciences to Repentance and Reformation, that is not caused by the sin, but by Gods Mercy: Sin as remembred is not sin in the act of remembring, nor sin as repented of in repenting; but before in the committing. God may Convert Paul in the act of Persecuting: But Persecuting is not the way or means of Conversion. Special Grace must be sought in the use of Common Grace, and not in a way of negligence, contempt, or wilful sin.
II. Of MORALITY in the second sense (as taken for Natural Duties, which all Mankind is obliged to by Natural Revelation of God's Will) we are agreed, as followeth.