The position of John Preston, Doctor in Divinity ... concerning the irresistibleness of converting…The position of John Preston, Doctor in Divinity ... concerning the irresistiblenesse of converting…

As to the first, Some Jesuits affirm, That Sufficient grace, as to means is given to all, even to Reprobates; but Effectual grace, which shall certainly and infallibly attain its end, is given only to the Elect. If we ask wherein they place the efficacy of this Grace; they answer, Not in a physical determination of the Will, but in a moral persuasion, and that not of any kind, but congruous (as they call it) that is a persuasion offered with such circumstances of Place, Person, and Time, as to which, God (who from everlasting knows all the inclinations of the Will) foresees the will shall certainly and infallibly yield unto. They distinguish therefore between Sufficient and Effectual grace, that is, those whom God hath chosen unto life, by virtue of that absolute Decree he intends to offer unto them, not only sufficient persuasion, but at a fit time, when he knows that the person so called, will undoubtedly obey the call of God: but those whom he hath not chosen, to them also he offers persuasion sufficient, but not at a time so ⟨p. 3⟩fit, and when he certainly foresees that they will not obey the divine calling.

As to the first, Some Iesuites affirme, That Sufficient grace, as to means is given to all, even to Reprobates; but Effectuall grace, which shall certainly and infallibly attaine its end, is given onely to the Elect. If we aske wherein they place the efficacy of this Grace; they answer, Not in a physicall determination of the Will, but in a morall perswasion, and that not of any kinde, but congruous (as they call it) that is a perswasion offered with such circumstances of Place, Person, and Time, as to which, God (who from everlasting knowes all the inclinations of the Will) foresees the will shall certainely and infallibly yeild unto. They distinguish therefore between Sufficient and Effectuall grace, that is, those whom God hath chosen unto life, by vertue of that absolute Decree he intends to offer unto them, not onely sufficient perswasion, but at a fit time, when he knowes that the person so called, will undoubtedly obey the call of God: but those whom he hath not chosen, to them also he offers perswasion sufficient, but not at a time so ⟨p. 3⟩fit, and when he certainly foresees that they will not obey the divine calling.