The divine will considered in its eternal decrees, and holy execution of them. By…

Now this Virtual Will of the Conversion of Reprobates ⟨p. 93⟩is not purely conditional, but mixtly conditional; for it results out of God's absolute Decree of the Means with their tendencies. Wherefore (notwithstanding these Objections) I conclude, That God doth virtually will the Conversion of Reprobates, so far forth as the Means have a tendency thereunto.

These things being thus laid down; I conceive that the thing decreed in Preterition or Non-election, is the not giving or working saving Grace or thorough Conversion in Reprobates, in such a sure and insuperable way as in the Elect. Reprobates have not such intimate in-shining, efficacious drawing, Law-engraving, and heart-opening and melting Grace as the Elect. And this not giving or working Conversion in such a way, clashes with neither of the aforesaid Wills. Not with the Will of Complacence; for still if a Reprobate did turn or convert, he should be accepted with God: nor yet with the Virtual or Ordinative Will of God; for still Means are Means, and Ordinances are Ordinances, and their true end and tendency is to turn men unto God: I say their true end; for there is a vast ⟨p. 94⟩difference between an infallible Ordination of means for the working of Conversion in men, and a true Ordination of Means for the same purpose. As to the Elect, there is an infallible Ordination of Means thereunto; and as to the Reprobate, there is a true (though not infallible) Ordination of the same. The perfection of the Non-elect Angels was truly ordinated to their Perseverance, but not infallibly. The integrity of Adam in innocency was truly ordinated to his continuance in Obedience, but not infallibly. Wherefore Non-election or Preterition, though it stand not in conjunction with an infallible Ordination, yet it carries no contradiction to a true Ordination of the Means. Notwithstanding the Decree of Non-election or Preterition, God may still expostulate with a Reprobate, as the Apostle did with the Galatians, Quis te impedivit? Who hindered you from obeying the truth,