Article XVI.
Not every deadly Sin willingly committed after Baptism, is Sin against the Holy Ghost, and un∣pardonable. Wherefore the grant of Repentance is not to be denyed to such as fall into Sin after Baptism. After we have received the Holy Ghost, we may depart from grace given, and fall into Sin, and by the grace of God (we may) arise again, and amend our lives. And therefore they are to be Condemned, which say, they can no more Sin as long as they live here, to deny the place of for∣giveness to such as truly Repent.
What think you of this?
Sound and good.
'Tis so, if understood aright: but by a Sermon you lately Preached at St. B's. Church; I presume, you mistake one Clause of it vilely, either willfully or ignorantly.
Which is that?
'Tis in these Words, after we have received the Holy Ghost, we may depart from Grace given, and fall into Sin.
Mistake the sense of the Article in this, 'tis not easie, nay, 'tis almost impossible to miss it.
Why, what is the sense, say you?
That Believers, or such as have received the Spirit of God, and his saving Graces, may fall away.
What totally and finally, and perish Everlastingly?
Yes, totally and finally, and be Damned.
I judged I should find you as sound in this Point, as that Sheep, that shaking her self in a frosty Morning, falls in pieces. That this Article (or our Church in it) doth not intend a total and final Apostacy, is apparent to me, by these Two things.
1. Because she saith not, That such as have received the Holy Ghost, &c. may fall away; but that they may fall into Sin, as David, Peter and others, who Sinned or fell into great and gross Sins after Grace given, yet no final Apostates.
2. Because she saith in this Article, That the grant of Repentance is not to be denyed to such; as it is to be granted, They which thus Sin, after the Reception of the Holy Ghost, and Grace given, may Repent; And by the Grace of God may rise again, and amend their Lives, as the fore∣mentioned Saints and Servants of God, David, and St. Peter did: which no final, total Apostate ever did, or can do. Therefore, it cannot be meant of a final Apostacy, or falling away from Grace.