Reformed Covenanter
Cancelled Commissioner
But, whereas God is said to will the thing that he commands, here ariseth a question, how that can be said to be willed by God, which most commonly is not accomplished? For, albeit the will of command is accomplished, by the commanding of this or that, yet God’s will of the thing commanded seems not to be accomplished, unless the thing willed by God be sometimes brought to pass. The truth is, your opinion seems to be, That God not only willeth the salvation of the world, upon the condition of their repentance, (for that is no more to will their salvation, than their damnation) but that God willeth and desireth their salvation absolutely, in as much as he willeth and desireth their repentance.
I confess you do not in express terms profess as much; namely, that God willeth and desireth the repentance of Reprobates; yet hitherto you seem to tend, in this discourse of yours, though concerning this you say no more than this, That God gives means to help them to the performance of this obedience, so far as is meet for him: which while you profess, I doubt you understand not your own meaning; and therefore no marvel if others do not understand it: For, how far he doth help them, you express in a very uncertain manner; which is rather to conceal, than to discover and express your meaning. But I will endeavour to bolt it out. ...
For more, see William Twisse: Does God desire the repentance of the reprobate?
I confess you do not in express terms profess as much; namely, that God willeth and desireth the repentance of Reprobates; yet hitherto you seem to tend, in this discourse of yours, though concerning this you say no more than this, That God gives means to help them to the performance of this obedience, so far as is meet for him: which while you profess, I doubt you understand not your own meaning; and therefore no marvel if others do not understand it: For, how far he doth help them, you express in a very uncertain manner; which is rather to conceal, than to discover and express your meaning. But I will endeavour to bolt it out. ...
For more, see William Twisse: Does God desire the repentance of the reprobate?