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12. Of unequal Proportions of Grace, in respect of Divine Influx on the Soul.
IF it be so evident that unequal or special Grace, in re∣spect of external means, is given in this manner, what hin∣ders but that Special Grace may be given in respect of Di∣vine Influx on the Soul, and such secret distinguishing Pro∣vidences, as are past our finding out. And that there is a special Divine Grace towards some more than others, under the same outward means, seems clearly deducible from the Scripture.
Our Saviour gives this reason, why some of his Hearers did understand and receive his Doctrine, and others not, be∣cause to some of them it was given to understand the mysteries of the Kingdom, and to others it was not given. Mat. 13.
Of those that hear the same Doctrine of Salvation, they only that obey the Doctrine are said to be taught of God, and their being taught of God is set forth as the special Reason of their Obedience, and a peculiar Benefit, whereby they are discriminated from those that obey not. Joh. 6. There was therefore a special teaching of them that obey∣ed, different from the teaching of them that did not obey, though both had the same outward means.
The Father's drawing of some to Christ, and not others, of those that heard him preach, Joh. 6. must needs be un∣derstood of such Divine Grace vouchsafed to some, as was not to others. For our Saviour renders this Reason of the different Effect of the same Word preached among his hea∣rers, that some were drawn to him by the Father, and o∣thers not.