[Frumanchu]

Here is the Westminster Confession's view (Ch V, Article vi-vii):

VI. As for those wicked and ungodly men whom God, as a righteous judge, for former sins, doth blind and harden; from them he not only withholdeth his grace, whereby they might have been enlightened in their understandings, and wrought upon their hearts; but sometimes also withdraweth the gifts which they had; and exposeth them to such objects as their corruption makes occasion of sin; and withal, gives them over to their own lusts, the temptatoins of the world, and the power of Satan; whereby it comes to pass that they harden themselves, even under those means which God useth for the softening of others.

VII. As the providence of God doth, in general, reach to all creatures, so, after a most special manner, it taketh care of his Church, and disposeth all things to the good thereof.

The Confession clearly distinguishes in article vi between the grace of salvation ("whereby they might have been enlightened in their understandings") and His general providence by which He restrains evil in the ungodly.

[blue-duncan]

"but sometimes also withdraweth the gifts which they had"

Sounds like the Westminster Confession recognizes "common grace".

[HarleyD]

Yes, I would certainly agree with Westminster Confession view. In fact I think the best term is "general providence".

I guess that makes me wonder, assuming the author means "general providence" instead of "common grace", does God remove this "general providence" from time to time? According to the WC the removal of this "general providence" would be for taking care of His church which I would agree with.

And, going back to this article, is God slowly removing His general providence from the world? Hmmmmmm..... that becomes more difficult to discern.

Whew!!! This is sure getting complicated. :O)