A90293:341
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.
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 ⟨p. 146⟩moral persuasion, only proposing a desirable object, easy to be resisted, and not effectual unless it be helped by an inbred ability of our own, which is the Arminian grace, I will briefly confirm, having promised these few things.
That then which we assert in opposition to these Arminian Heterodoxies is, that the effectuall grace which God useth in the great worke of our conversion, by reason of its owne nature, being also the instrument of, and Gods intention for that purpose, doth surely produce the effect intended; without successefull resistance, and solely, without any considerable co-operation of our owne wils, untill they are prepared and changed by that very grace. The infallibilitie of its effect depends chiefely on the purpose of God, when by any meanes he intends a mans conversion, those meanes must have such an efficacie added unto them, as may make them fit instruments for the accomplishment of that intention: that the counsell of the Lord may prosper, and his word not returne 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 efficacie of grace, in opposition to an indifferent influence of the holy Spirit, a metaphoricall motion, a working by the way of ⟨p. 146⟩