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…

1. That effectual vocation doth follow, and not precede the decree of election, and consequently, that the decree is absolute, not conditional.

1. That effectuall vocation doth follow, and not precede the decree of election, and consequently, that the decree is absolute, not conditionall.

2. That the same and equal grace is not granted to the converted and unconverted; but that which is given to the elect is always more effectual, although not in respect of it self, yet in respect of the suitableness, which it hath unto the will of the man to be converted.

2. That the same and equall grace is not granted to the converted and unconverted; but that which is given to the elect is alwayes more effectuall, although not in respect of it felfe, yet in respect of the suitablenesse, which it hath unto the will of the man to be converted.

3. That all to be converted, shall be certainly and infallibly converted, and that only by the power of Converting Grace; but others certainly also, and infallibly, shall not be converted, not only because they will not, but in regard of the defect of congruity in the grace offered. Which Grace, although as to the substance of it (as they say) is sufficient, so that by the help of it men might be converted (if they would) yet as to the circumstances it is not sufficient, because it is not offered at a suitable time. For thus Suarez: Moral persuasion, though abundant, is not sufficient. A physical or real determination is too much, for it taketh away liberty, but the whole efficacy of grace consists in a Certainty, Congruity, or Conveniency.