A Christian Library, Chapter 13
CHAP. XIII.
But here (least I should be mistaken) let me joyn to what hath been said, and what shall be further said by way of caution: Expect not that this should be done by any power of thine own: for except God give thee repentance, and removes all impediments that may hinder, thou canst no more turn thy self, than thou couldst at first make thy self. We are not sufficient of our selves to think, much lesse to speak, least of all to do that which is good, 2 Cor. 3.5. We are swift to all evil, but to any good immoveable. We can lend no more active power to our conversion, than Adam did to his creation, than the Child doth to his conception, than the dead man to his raising from the grave. … 16.14. the ears of the Prophet to hear well, Isa. 50.4. the eyes of Elishaes servant to see well, 2 Kings 6.17. and the lips of David to speak well. Bid a man by his own strength, do the least good, or bear the least trouble: you may with as good successe, stand in the street, and bid a chained prisoner come out of his dungeon. St Paul before his conversion, could do as much, as the best accomplished moralist of them all; his words are, If any man thinketh, that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, much more I, Phil. 3.4. Yet when he speaks of his doing, or suffering, he sheweth that it was because the love of God, was shed abroad in his heart, by the holy Ghost, which was given him, Rom. 5.5. Of himself he could do nothing, though he were able to do all things, through Christ, and by the Spirits assistance, who strengthened him, Phil. 4.13. Man is like an Organ-pipe, that speakes no longer then wind is blown into it. Wherefore as when David came to fight with Goliah, he cast away Sauls armour: so let us in this case, cast away all trust and confidence in our selves, and only set forward in the Name of the Lord God of Israel. If we trust to our own resistance, we cannot stand: we cannot miscarry, if we trust to his.
Yet this is to be considered, that God does not work upon us as upon blocks, and stones, in all and every respect passive: but converts our wils, to will our own conversion. He that made thee without thy self, will not justifie, nor save thee without thy self: Without thy merit indeed, not without thine endeavour. When those deadly waters were healed by the Prophet, the outward act must be his, the power Gods: he cast the salt into the spring, and said, Yhus saith the Lord, I have healed these waters, there shall not be from thence, any more death or barrennesse. Elisha was the Instrument, but far was he from challenging ought to himself.
Wherefore be sure to use that power, which Christ shall give thee, and then my soul for thine, he will not be wanting on his part. And amongst other thine endeavour, exercise Prayer: Omit not to beg of God, for the grace thou wantest, and praise him for what thou obtainest. Abhor to attribute, or ascribe ought to thy doing: trust only to Christs obedience; in whom, only what we do is accepted, and for whom, only it is rewarded.
Now you are to know, that as no Sacrifice was without Incense: so must no service, be performed without Prayer. And Prayer is like the Merchants Ship, to fetch in heavenly commodities. It is the Key of Heaven, as St Austin terms it; and the Hand of a Christian, which is able to reach from earth to Heaven; and to take forth every manner of good gift out of the Lords Treasury. Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my Name, (saies Christ) believing, he will give it you, John 16.23. Matth. 21.22, Unto fervent Prayer, God will deny nothing. It is like Sauls Sword, and Ionathans bow, that never returned empty. Like Ahimaaz, that alwaies brought good tydings. It is worth the obse…ving, how Cornelius his serious exercise of this duty of Prayer, brought unto him first an Angel, then an Apostle, and then the Holy Ghost himself. Hast thou then a desire after that happinesse before spoken of, seek first, to have the asistance of Gods Spirit, and his love shed abroad in thine heart by the Holy Ghost? Wouldst thou have the love of God, and the asistance of his Spirit, ask it of him by Prayer? who saith, If any of you lack in this kind, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not, and it shall be given him, James 1.5. Wouldst thou pray that thou maist be heard? Ask in faith, and waver not; for he that wavereth, is like a wave of the Sea, tost of the wind, and carried away, Vers. 6. Wouldst thou have faith? be diligent to hear the Word preached; which is the sword of the Spirit, that killeth our corruptions, and that unresistable Cannon-shot, that battereth and beateth down all the strong holds of sinne and Satan, Rom. 10.17. Unto him therefore, that is able to do exceeding abundantly, above all that we can ask or think, I commend thee.