An extract of some particulars in a Sermon of Mr John Goodwin, of Aprill 12. 1644. which are scrupled.
ONe particular whereof was a third motive he gave to naturall men on that Text 1 Cor. 1.3. Which motive was, that if naturall men will but ingage themselves withall within them to seek for this grace, they shall surely finde it, they shall not miscarry in it; but cer∣tainly this grace shall be vouchsafed to them; which for proof were alleaged two Texts, Mat. 7.7. & John 6.37. Which was further pro∣secuted, by answering an Objection touching mans being dead in sins and trespasses: the fi••th part of which answer was this. Fifthly, That men that are in such a sense dead in sins and trespasses, have a naturall life of reason, judgement, understanding, conscience, &c. in them: by reason of which excellent principles of nature, reason, &c. Men are able to ponder upon such wayes & means propounded, and conceive them probable for that work; they are not so dead, but if they will gave out themselves to do, they may do such things whereunto God hath been graciously pleased to annex a promise of grace, there is a power in men to do such things (if they will give it forth & imploy it according∣ly) as unto which things God hath by way of promise annexed grace and acceptation: for which, besides those Texts fore-mentioned, see Prov. 2.1, 2, 3. & 10.6.27. and strive to enter in at the strait gate.
One Copy whereof sent Mr. Richard Atkins is thus subscribed.
Sir, For the sum and substance you have drawn a true draught of that which Master Goodwin did deliver.
Yours to command Rich. Alkins.
A second Copy commended to Mr. Laurence Steele is thus subscribed.
I finde nothing in substance differing from my Copy, save only I finde not the two first Scriptures in this Sermon, but I suppose I have them in that before.
L. Steele.
A third Copy commended to Mr. Iohn weeks, is thu•• subscribed.
Sir, I have perused this, and finde it in the main to agree with mine, only it was de∣livered in more full expressions.
Yours John Weeks.
Which 3. Testimonies, as also those two affixed to the ensuing Sermon, are left with Michael Spark senior, least any calumniate the truth in the Authors absence.