that not simply alone, but comparatively in respect of others, who believe not: but that man refuseth the promises of mercy, this is of himselfe, not of simple or naturall infirmity, which might procure pity, but of his owne perversenesse, and love to some inferiour good, different from the good proposed, or contrary to it, and aversenesse from the circumstances and conditions of the object proposed.
They aske, what signe doth God shew of desire or approvall that men should believe, when he gives them not power so to doe. This that he commandeth, intreateth, perswadeth them to repent and believe, waiteth with long-suffering and patience for their amendment, promiseth mercy if they will returne, convinceth them of their wilfulnesse, and though he change not their hearts by the effectuall worke of his Spirit, is wanting to them in nothing, which in justice or promise he is bound to give, specially when their impenitency is not from lack of grace, but from perversenesse. If this satisfie them not, let them answer themselves, how God doth will the repentance of them that be cast off, and left to the hardnesse of their hearts? How he doth will, desire and approve the conversion of such as he hath blinded and hardened for their sins, even when they are so blinded and hardened; as of Caine,Gen. 4.7.
1 Joh. 3.12.
Mat. 13.15 who was of the wicked one, and slew his brother, because God had respect unto his sacrifice, and of the Jews, whose eyes were closed, and hearts hardened, that they should not convert.
How is it imaginable, say they, that impossible should be the object of Gods desire or approvall? The answer is given already, impossible in it selfe, or in respect of the unreasonablenesse of the thing commanded, is not the object of Gods desire, approvall or commandment: but an impossible thing to us in respect of ou• perversenesse, may be and is the object of Gods commandment, and so of his approvall and desire, as he doth will and desire what he doth command. Doth not God exact of the Gentiles given up to the vanity of their minds, that they should seeke him in the way, wherein he will be found, if they would be saved, when they have not meanes sufficient to bring them to the knowledge of the truth, nor grace to believe? Doth not the Lord command, approve, and desire the conversion of many obstinate, impenitent persons living in the Church, who have and doe abuse the meanesof
