A55751:88
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…
The position of John Preston, Doctor in Divinity ... concerning the irresistibleness of converting graceThe position of John Preston, Doctor in Divinity ... concerning the irresistiblenesse of converting grace
London: printed by J.G. for Nath. Webb and Will. Grantham, 1654
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
3. This Argument may also be added, The grace of God is so the efficient cause of Conversion, that it admits no joined and co-ordinate cause, although it hath a subordinate cause; to wit, the will of man adjoined to it: But if the Will, when it is excited by assisting grace (as they call it) can resist it, then it may also assist it; if it may withstand it, then it may also join endeavour with it, to produce the same effect; if it can make it void, it may also make it effectual, and so may be a cause co-ordinate with the grace of God, in bringing forth the first act of its conversion. But that God doth convert or regenerate men by his own and only work, excluding all co-ordinate causes, is so clear, that it need not be proved; for it is frequently found in Scripture, The Lord converteth, the Lord gives repentance; that God circumciseth, and takes away the stony heart, and gives a heart of flesh.
3. This Argument may also be added, The grace of God is so the efficient cause of Conversion, that it admits no joyn'd and co-ordinate cause, although it hath a subordinate cause; to wit, the will of man adjoyned to it: But if the Will, when it is excited by assisting grace (as they call it) can resist it, then it may also assist it; if it may withstand it, then it may also joyn endeavour with it, to produce the same effect; if it can make it void, it may also make it effectuall, and so may be a cause co-ordinate with the grace of God, in bringing forth the first act of its conversion. But that God doth convert or regenerate men by his owne and onely work, excluding all co-ordinate causes, is so cleare, that it need not be proved; for it is frequently found in Scripture, The Lord converteth, the Lord gives repentance; that God circumciseth, and takes away the stony heart, and gives a heart of flesh.
Lastly, That God doth regenerate, and by his own power raise from the death of sin.
Lastly, That God doth regenerate, and by his owne power raise from the death of sin.