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…

But the Arminians, although they seem to assert, that the beginning, progress, and perfection of every good work, is to be attributed unto Grace, so that no man (without preventing, accompanying, and following Grace) is able to think, will, or act any thing that is good: yet when they plead, that all this is done after a manner resistible, so as to leave it in the power of the Will, to use or not to use that grace unto conversion. It is apparent, that they do only in pretence, and not heartily and really attribute these things unto grace. This will easily appear by a distinct opening of the opinion of the Arminians.

But the Arminians, although they seem to assert, that the beginning, progresse, and perfection of every good work, is to be attributed unto Grace, so that no man (without preventing, accompanying, and following Grace) is able to think, will, or act any thing that is good: yet when they plead, that all this is done after a manner resistible, so as to leave it in the power of the Will, to use or not to use that grace unto conversion. It is apparent, that they do onely in pretence, and not heartily and really attribute these things unto grace. This will easily appeare by a distinct opening of the opinion of the Arminians.

1. First they grant, That the Understanding is irresistibly illuminated by Divine Grace.

2. That the Affections also are excited and renewed by the same Grace irresistibly.