(1.) That there are some things presented to us, in an objective way, which contain the subject matter of the gospel, or that call, which is given to sinners to pursue those methods, which, by divine appointment, lead to salvation. As _faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God_, Rom. x. 17. so do common convictions, and whatever carries in it the appearance of grace in the unregenerate. In this respect God deals with men as intelligent creatures, capable of making such improvement of those instructions and intimations, as may tend, in many respects, to their advantage. This must be supposed, or else the preaching of the gospel could not be reckoned an universal blessing to them who are favoured with it, abstracting from those saving advantages which some are to receive hereby. This is here called the grace which is offered to them, who are outwardly called, by the ministry of the word. Offers of grace, and invitations to come to Christ, are words used by almost all who have treated on this subject: though some, of late, have been ready to conclude, that these modes of speaking tend to overthrow the doctrine we are maintaining; for they argue to this purpose; that an overture, or invitation, supposes a power in him to whom it is given to comply with it. Did I think this idea necessarily contained in these words, I should rather choose to substitute others in the room of them: however, to remove prejudices, or unjust representations, which the use thereof may occasion, either here or elsewhere, I shall briefly give an account of the reason why I use them, and what I understand thereby. If it be said, This mode of speaking is not to be found in scripture; this, it is true, should make us less tenacious of it. Nevertheless, it may be used without just offence given, if it be explained agreeably thereunto.[5] Therefore let it be considered, (2.) That the presenting an object, whatever it be, to the understanding and will, is generally called, an _offering_ it; as God says to David, from the Lord; _I offer thee three things, choose thee one of them_, &c. 1 Sam. xxiv. 12. So if God sets before us life and death, blessing and cursing, and bids us choose which we will have; this is equivalent to what is generally called, an offer of grace. And as for invitations to come to Christ, it is plain, that there are many scriptures that speak to that purpose; namely, when it is said, _In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me and drink_, John vii. 37. And, _Ho every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters_, Isa. lv. 1. And elsewhere Christ says, _Come unto me all ye that labour, and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest_, Matt. xi. 28. And, _Let him that is athirst come; and whosoever will, let him take of the water of life freely_, Rev. xxii. 17.