A30198:136
Reprobation asserted, or, The doctrine of eternal election & reprobation promiscuously handled in eleven…
Reprobation asserted, or, The doctrine of eternal election & reprobation promiscuously handled in eleven chapters wherein the most material objections made by the opposers of this doctrine are fully answered, several doubts removed, and sundry cases of conscience resolved / by John Bunyan.
London: printed for G.L., 1674
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.
But yet the Cause of this impossibility, 1. Lieth not in Reprobation, the Elect themselves being as much unable to receive it as the other. 2. Neither is it because the Reprobate is excluded in the Tender, for that is universal. 3. Neither is it because there wanteth Arguments in the Tenders of the Gospel, for there is not only plenty, but such as be persuasive, clear, and full of Rationality. 4. Neither is it because these Creatures have no need thereof, for they have broke the Law. 5. Wherefore it is, because indeed they are by sin dead, captivated, mad, self-opposers, blind, alienated in their minds, and haters of the Lord. Behold the Ruins that Sin hath made!
But yet the Cause of this impossibility, 1. Lieth not in Reprobation, the Elect themselves being as much unable to receive it as the other. 2. Neither is it because the Reprobate is excluded in the Tender, for that is universal. 3. Neither is it because there wanteth Arguments in the Tenders of the Gospel, for there is not onely plenty, but such as be perswasive, clear, and full of Rationality. 4. Neither is it because these Creatures have no need thereof, for they have broke the Law. 5. Wherefore it is, because indeed they are by sin dead, captivated, mad, self-opposers, blind, alienated in their minds, and haters of the Lord. Behold the Ruines that Sin hath made!
Wherefore whoever receiveth the Grace that is tendered in the Gospel, they must be quickened by the Power of God, their Eyes must be opened, their Understandings illuminated, their Ears unstopped, their Hearts circumcised, their Wills also rectified, and the Son of God revealed in them. Yet as I said, Not because there wanteth Argument in these Tenders, but because men are dead, and blind, and cannot hear the Word. Why do you not understand my speech? saith Christ: Even because you cannot hear my word. Act. 9.15. & 26.9, 10. Psal. 110.3.