There had not been a work of God, a prior work of God due to his predestinating love in their hearts, opening their hearts, inclining their will. They are not of his sheep, but nevertheless he reasons with them.
There are two aspects to our work – the positive aspect: Oh, may God use us to the salvation of lost souls that people may be saved. There is also the negative aspect: we are sharing in the judgement. We are called to preach to all so that people may be without excuse for human wilfulness and antagonism against God in the Day of Judgement.