Hodge, Syst. Theol., 2:643—“Predestination concerns only the purpose of God to render effectual, in particular cases, a call addressed to all. A general amnesty, on certain conditions, may be offered by a sovereign to rebellious subjects, although he knows that through pride or malice many will refuse to accept it; and even though, for wise reasons, he should determine not to constrain their assent, supposing that such influence over their minds were within his power. It is evident, from the nature of the call, that it has nothing to do with the secret purpose of God to grant his effectual grace to some, and not to others.... According to the Augustinian scheme, the non‐elect have all the advantages and opportunities of securing their salvation, which, according to any other scheme, are granted to mankind indiscriminately.... God designed, in its adoption, to save his own people, but he consistently offers its benefits to all who are willing to receive them.” See also H. B. Smith, System of Christian Theology, 515‐521. B. Is God’s special call irresistible? We prefer to say that this special call is efficacious,—that is, that it infallibly accomplishes its purpose of leading the sinner to the acceptance of salvation. This implies two things: (_a_) That the operation of God is not an outward constraint upon the human will, but that it accords with the laws of our mental constitution. We reject the term “irresistible,” as implying a coercion and compulsion which is foreign to the nature of God’s working in the soul. _Ps. 110:3_—“_Thy people are freewill‐offerings in the day of thy power: in holy array, Out of the womb of the morning Thou hast the dew of thy youth_”—_i. e._, youthful recruits to thy standard, as numberless and as bright as the drops of morning dew; _Phil. 2:12, 13_—“_Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who worketh in you both to will and to work, for his good pleasure_”—_i. e._, the result of God’s working is our own working. The Lutheran Formula of Concord properly condemns the view that, before, in, and after conversion, the will only resists the Holy Spirit: for this, it declares, is the very nature of conversion, that out of non‐willing, God makes willing, persons (F. C. 60, 581, 582, 673).