Natural and Moral Impotency, Discourse · Application 6
ƲSE, 6th.
HOw encouraging is this to all to come to God, to return. We Miniſters in Chriſt's name, and Chriſt by us require nothing of you, but what you can do, was there but a willing mind. If there be any thing you cannot do, which ſome others can, we will tell you, you need not at preſent, and yet ſhall be accepted, and God will in time upon doing what you are able, enable you to do more. Say not in thy heart, Who ſhall aſcend into Heaven? that is, to bring Chriſt down from above; or Who ſhall deſecend into the deep? That is, to bring up Chriſt again from the dead: But what ſaith the Goſpel, the word of Faith? The Word is nigh thee, even in thy Mouth, and in thy Heart, Rom. 10.6, 7, 8. That is, be not perplexed, as if ſome difficult impoſſible thing was required of thee now to Salvation, that thou canſt not perform if willing; this is to deny Chriſt's Death and Aſcenſion. What did he dye for, if ſome impoſſible thing be required of us notwithſtanding his Death? Men will entertain none, nor give wages to any, but to thoſe that can do much, to thoſe fit for their ſervice. When to hire a Servant, a Maſter asks, What canſt thou do? If a Servant ſhould anſwer, I can do nothing, I have no Skill or Ability, I have not been uſed to work; but I am willing, I will do what I can: Who would entertain ſuch a Servant? But if any ſhould ſay thus, and that heartily to God, I am very unfit for any good Work, I have not been uſed to do any Good, but I will now do what I can; if I fail, it ſhall be my greateſt grief, and againſt my will. God will accept it; this is all that he requires to obtain the great Wages. Oh Riches of Grace! Is this the manner of man, O Lord? 2 Sam. 7.19.
The laſt Invitation to Sinners in Scripture is this, Whoſoever will, let him come, and take of the Water of Life freely; Which virtually comprehends, that, He that hath no money come, that hath nothing of any worth or value.
If the Prophet had required ſome great thing, Would'ſt thou not have done it? We have not any thing to do for Satisfaction of Gods Wrath and Juſtice; yea, nothing but what you can with eaſe and delight do, was there but a willing mind. Say but, and be Hearty in it, Wherein have I done Iniquity, I will do ſo no more. I will, this is the voice of true Repentance; With the Heart and Will man believeth and Repenteth.
Why ſtand you here all the day Idle? You cannot reply. You have no ſtrength, ability; do but what you can, and it will be accepted; You will not tell me, however you dare not tell God; You have no mind, no Will to work: Though this is it, if you do not what you can. You cannot ſay, None hath hired us, we had as good ſit idle, as work idle, as work without receiving Wages. I am ſent to hire you this day, to aſſure you of Wages, You ſhall have your Penny though you come in late.
Let none excuſe themſelves from Duty by the meanneſs of themſelves and Duties. Art thou ſenſible thou art good for nothing? yet give thy ſelf up to him, thou ſhalt be accepted. Is thy Gift mean, yet offer it: They that had but little, offered little to the Tabernacle, and yet were accepted. Some it may be have this Temptation; What ſhould I pray for others for? It's too much for me to be accepted for my ſelf. Yet, ſin not in ceaſing to pray for others, God will hear thy Prayers ſooner it may be than theirs that have better thoughts of their Prayers. Give that little when thou haſt but little to give. Weak Abilities you ſee do not exempt you from Gods ſervice, becauſe not from his Acceptance.
Will God accept of what you have, if there be a willing mind, and ſhall a willing mind be wanting? Will he accept of the Heart and Will, and ſhall he not have it? God will excuſe the want of any thing elſe, but will by no means excuſe your want of Heart and Will: For all other Powers in a man may be ſuſpended from doing their Offices, but only the Will. But this cannot be ſuſpended ſo as to excuſe while a man hath any uſe of his Reaſon; Therefore God will excuſe all other Defects. The Blind cannot ſerve God with his Eyes, or Dumb with his Tongue, or Deaf with his Ears; yet ſuch are accepted of God, while he hath their Hearts.