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§. 64. Of Gods working on ma•…•….
IN that God is thus brought in, saying, I will put and write: it clearly shews that it is God who worketh so effectually upon his confederates under the new Cove∣nant, as they are wrought upon, I will put my fear into their hearts, that they shall not depart from me (saith the same Lord) Ier. 32. 40. And again, I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, Ezek. 36. 27. This was evidenced in the Lords opening the heart of Lydia, Act. 16. 14.
- 1. Man of himself is utterly uncapable of any such engravements, or writing. N•…•… man can come to me (saith Christ) except the Father draw him, John 6. 44. The natu∣ral man receiveth not the things of the spirit of God, (of and by himself) for they a•…•…e spiritually discerned, 1 Cor. 2. 14.
- 2. The Ministry of man is insufficient of it self, to work upon the inward parts of others, 1 Cor. 3. 7.. 2 Cor. 3. 5, 6.
- 1. This ought to move Ministers to adde prayer to their learning, reading, study,* 1.1 conference, meditation, and other like helps. Prayer is a means sanctified to obtain divine help. Ministers therefore ought in their ministry thus to pray, Lord open the eyes of these men, 2 Kings 6. 20. Commendable in this respect is the custom of pray∣ing before and after Sermon: so ought they to do before and after private r•…•…ading, and studying even in their closet. Neglect hereof makes much pains to be fruit∣lesse.
- 2. People may hereby learn to depend not wholly or only on the outward mini∣stry: but rather on Gods blessing. Indeed means are sanctified; but the blessing resteth in God, Deut. 8. 3. If God put not, and write not his Lawes in our inward parts, all that man can do is nothing.
Two extreams are hereupon carefully to be avoided.
- 1. That sanctified means be not despised. Proud Anabaptists and prophane liber∣•…•…ines are too prone hereunto.
- 2. That means be not too much relyed and doted upon. New Converts are t•…•…o prone hereunto. The golden mean is the best and safest.