Obj. NO man in this life can become altogether so impenitent, incorrigible, or without hope of grace, or in such a despe∣rate state as to be forsaken; for God would have all men to be sa∣ved, and to come to the knowledge of the truth, and I will not the death of a sinner, &c. so then if mercy be offered to all, then the way is open to all, to repent, and turne unto God.
Ans. God indeed offereth himself to all, and denyeth not the* 1.1 externall meanes to any, if they had grace to apprehend them. The Gospel hath been preached to all the world, and so to the impenitent, and reprobate; God therefore offereth grace unto all, but all will not receive it; as one saith, the wholsome medi∣cine of admonition must be administred to all, though the health of the sick be uncertaine. But if he that is admonished belong to the predestinate, it is to him a wh••lsome medicine, if he doe not, it is a penall torment. Againe, the argument followeth not, God calleth all men to repentance, ergo all may have grace to repent; for, the Scripture saith, that many are called, but few are chosen. Grace doth prevaile with some, but with others their obstinate natures resisteth; to which purpose the Scriptures are very plen∣tifull, as in Act. 2. 41. Act. 16. 14. & 13. 45. &c.
Obj. So long as men are in this life they are in the way, and are not deprived of all grace, nor utterly forsaken untill they be in Hell.
Ans. Everlasting punishment in Hell is the end, and executi∣on* 1.2 of damnation, but men in this life may be in the state of dam∣nation, and be utterly forsaken of Gods grace, as Saul and Ju∣das, and they whom the Apostle saith, God gave over to a repro∣bate sence, Rom. 1. 28. Erg••.