A30198:145
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.
There is no man then perisheth for want of sufficient Reason in the Tenders of the Gospel, nor any for want of Persuasions to Faith; nor yet because there wanteth Arguments to provoke to continue therein. But the Truth is, the Gospel in this hath to do with unreasonable Creatures; with such as will not believe it, and that because it is Truth: And because I tell you the Truth, saith Christ, (therefore) you believe me not, John 8.45.
There is no man then perisheth for want of sufficient Reason in the Tenders of the Gospel, nor any for want of Perswasions to Faith; nor yet because there wanteth Arguments to provoke to continue therein. But the Truth is, the Gospel in this hath to do with unreasonable Creatures; with such as will not believe it, and that because it is Truth: And because I tell you the Truth, saith Christ, (therefore) you believe me not, John 8.45.
Quest. Well, but if this in truth be thus, how then comes it to pass that some ⟨p. 31⟩•eceive it and live for ever? for you have said before, That the Elect are as dead as the Reprobate, and full as unable as they (as men) to close with these Tenders, and live.
Answ. Doubtless this is true, and were the Elect left to themselves, they, through the wickedness of their heart, would perish as do others. Neither could all the reasonable persuasive prevalent Arguments of the Gospel of God in Christ, prevail to make any receive it, and live. Wherefore here you must consider, that as there is Mercy proclaimed in the general Tenders of the Gospel; so there is also the Grace of Election; which Grace kindly over-ruleth and winneth the Spirit of the Chosen, working in them that unfeigned closing therewith, that makes it effectual to their undoubted Salvation; which indeed is the cause that not only in other Ages, but also to this day, there is a Remnant that receive this Grace; they being appointed, I say, thereto, before the world began; preserved in time from that which would undo them, and enabled to embrace the glorious Gospel of Grace, and Peace, and Life.