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…

4. The Arminians think, That the quickening grace of the Spirit, and whatsoever else on Gods part is required to the conversion of a man, is communicated as well to the Reprobate, as to the Elect, and that with intention of their salvation, otherwise God should deal deceitfully and hypocritically with them when he offers the Word unto them. Let their own words be read, Coll. Hag. p. 308. But we hold, That the quickening grace of God, which is fit for the healing and renewing of the Will, is peculiar to the Elect, and is imparted to them by virtue of the divine Decree, to the end they might be saved: But 'tis denied to others, and that our God hath not determined to save them

4. The Arminians think, That the quickening grace of the Spirit, and whatsoever else on Gods part is required to the conversion of a man, is communicated as well to the Reprobate, as to the Elect, and that with intention of their salvation, otherwise God should deale deceitfully and hypocritically with them when he offers the Word unto them. Let their own words be read, Coll. Hag. p. 308. But we hold, That the quickning grace of God, which is fit for the healing and renewing of the Will, is peculiar to the Elect, and is imparted to them by vertue of the divine Decree, to the end they might be saved: But 'tis denyed to others, and that our God hath not determined to save them

5. They say, That the Will stirred up by quickening grace, may act or not act, turn to God or not; but otherwise it were not free: for they hold liberty to stand in this, That granting all things required, or all the actings of God, the Will may act or not, whence is that of Corvinus against Tilenus, pag. 337. Grace doth not so furnish the Will with strength, but that it always remains in the power of the Will to use it or not use it. We, on the contrary, say, That the VVill cannot resist or withstand the real motion proceeding from Grace, nor the divine persuasion offered to it by an enlightened understanding, but doth necessarily follow the guidance of God, according to that of S. Augustine, Free-will cannot resist God in the work of salvation.