A Body of Divinity, Vol. 3 (of 4): Wherein the doctrines of the Christian religion are explained and defended, being the substance of several lectures on the Assembly's Larger CatechismRidgley, Thomas
Religion
A Body of Divinity, Vol. 3 (of 4): Wherein the doctrines of the Christian religion are explained and defended, being the substance of several lectures on the Assembly's Larger Catechism
5. They add, that there is a kind of internal work in exciting the
passions, by a general influence upon them, leaving it, notwithstanding,
in man’s power to determine them, with respect to their proper objects;
and as for the will, that still remains free and unbiassed; but by this
moral suasion, or these rational arguments, it is prevailed upon to
comply with that which is for its advantage. According to this method of
accounting for the work of conversion, what they attribute to the grace
of God, is nothing more than what is the result of common providence;
and it is supposed to act no otherwise than in an objective way; and
that which gives the turn to all is, the influence of moral suasion,
whereby men are prevailed on; but in all these respects, they are only
beholden to God, as the God of nature: and when this is called, by them,
a display of divine grace, nature and grace, in this matter, are made to
signify the same thing, without scripture warrant.
Moreover, since, it is plain, all this may be done, and yet persons
remain in an unconverted state, and the gospel-call be ineffectual, they
suppose there is something to be performed on man’s part, which gives a
sanction to, and completes the work: accordingly he must rightly use and
improve the power of reasoning, which God has given him, by diligently
observing and attending to his law; and he must persuade himself, that
it is highly reasonable to obey it; and must also duly weigh the
consequence of his compliance or refusal, and endeavour to affect
himself with the consideration of promised rewards and punishments, to
excite his diligence, or awaken his fears; and must make use of those
motives that are proper to induce him to lead a virtuous life; and when
he is brought to conclude this most eligible, then he must add hereunto,
the force of the strongest resolutions, to avoid occasions of sin,
perform several necessary duties, and associate himself with those whose
conversation and example may induce him to be virtuous; he must attend
on the word preached, with intenseness of thought, and a disposition to
adhere, with the greatest impartiality, to what is recommended to him
therein, as conducive to his future happiness: by this means he is
persuaded; and from thence proceed those acts of grace, which
afterwards, by being frequently repeated, arrive to a habit, which, if
it be not lost by negligence, stupidity, and impenitency, or adhering to
the temptations of Satan, being brought into a state of conversion, he
is in a fair way to heaven, which, notwithstanding this, he may of by
apostasy, since the work is to be carried on by him, as it was at first
begun, by his own conduct.
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