Canons of Dordt, Head IV: Man’s conversion to God and the manner thereof

In Head IV of the Canons, the head that sets forth the truth of "irresistible grace," are to be found some of the most exquisite phrases not only in the Canons but in all the great Reformed confessions. When describing how the Holy Spirit deals with those whom He intends to save, the Canons declare that the Spirit's regenerating grace does not do violence to our wills, "…but spiritually quickens, heals, corrects, and at the same time sweetly and powerfully bends it; that where carnal rebellion...