A90293:340
Theomachia autexousiastikē
Theomachia autexousiastikē: or, A display of Arminianism. Being a discovery of the old Pelagian idol free-will, with the new goddess contingency, advancing themselves, into the throne of the God of heaven to the prejudice of his grace, providence, and supreme dominion over the children of men. Wherein the main errors of the Arminians are laid open, by which they are fallen off from the received doctrine of all the reformed churches, with their opposition in divers particulars to the doctrine established in the Church of England. Discovered out of their own writings and confessions, and confuted by the Word of God. / By John Owen, Master of Arts of Queens College in Oxon.Theomachia autexousiastikē: or, A display of Arminianisme. Being a discovery of the old Pelagian idol free-will, with the new goddesse contingency, advancing themselves, into the throne of the God of heaven to the prejudice of his grace, providence, and supreme dominion over the children of men. Wherein the maine errors of the Arminians are laid open, by which they are fallen off from the received doctrine of all the reformed churches, with their opposition in divers particulars to the doctrine established in the Church of England. Discovered out of their owne writings and confessions, and confuted by the Word of God. / By Iohn Owen, Master of Arts of Queens Colledge in Oxon.
London: printed by I.L. for Phil. Stephens, 1643
Title page typeset from the transcription.
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.
Now concerning this weakness of grace, that it is not able to overcome the opposing power of sinful nature, one testimony of Arminius shall suffice,h It always remaineth in the power of Free-will, to reject grace that is given, and to refuse that which followeth, for grace is no Almighty action of God to which Free-will cannot resist. Not that I would assert in opposition to this, such an operation of grace, as should as it were, violently overcome the will of man, and force him to obedience, which must needs be prejudicial unto our liberty: but only consisting in such a sweet effectual working, as doth infallibly promote our conversion, make us willing, who before were unwilling: and obedient, who were not obedient, that createth clean hearts, and reneweth right spirits within us.
Now concerning this weaknes of grace, that it is not able to overcome the opposing power of sinfull nature, one testimony of Arminius shall suffice,h It alwaies remaineth in the power of Free-will, to reiect grace that is given, and to refuse that which followeth, for grace is no Almightie action of God to which Free-will cannot resist. Not that I would assert in opposition to this, such an operation of grace, as should as it were, violently overcome the will of man, and force him to obedience, which must needs bee prejudicial unto our libertie: but onely consisting in such a sweet effectuall working, as doth infallibly promote our conversion, make us willing, who before were unwilling: and obedient, who were not obedient, that createth cleane hearts, and reneweth right spirits within us.
- hManet semper in potestate Lib. Arbit. gratiam datam rejicere & subsequentem repudiare, quae gratia non est omnipotens Dei, action cui resisti à libero hominis arbitrio non possit. Armin. Antip: fol. 243:
That then which we assert in opposition to these Arminian Heterodoxies is, that the effectual grace which God useth in the great work of our conversion, by reason of its own nature, being also the instrument of, and Gods intention for that purpose, doth surely produce the effect intended; without successful resistance, and solely, without any considerable co-operation of our own wills, until they are prepared and changed by that very grace. The infallibility of its effect depends chiefly on the purpose of God, when by any means he intends a mans conversion, those means must have such an efficacy added unto them, as may make them fit instruments for the accomplishment of that intention: that the counsel of the Lord may prosper, and his word not return empty. But the manner of its operation, that it requires no humane assistance, and is able to overcome all repugnance, is proper to the being of such an act, as wherein it doth consist. Which nature and efficacy of grace, in opposition to an indifferent influence of the holy Spirit, a metaphorical motion, a working by the way of