First, This efficacy and wonderful power is not from the word itself; take it in an abstract notion, separated from the Spirit, it can do nothing : it is called " the foolishness of preaching,"" 1 Cor. i. 21. Foolishness, not only because the world so accounts it, but because in itself it is a weak and unsuitable, and therefore a very improbable way to reconcile the world to God; that the stony heart of one man should be broken by the words of another man ; that one poor sinful creature should be used to breathe spiritual life into another ; this could never be, if this sword were not managed by an omnipotent hand.
And besides, we know what works naturally, works necessarily ; if this efficacy were inherent in the word, so that we should suppose it to work as other natural objects do, then it must needs convert all to whom it is at any time preached, except its effect were mira- culously hindered, as the fire when it could not burn the three chil- dren ; but alas, thousands hear it, that never feel the saving power of it, Isa. liii. 1. and 2 Cor. iv. 3, 4.
Secondly, It derives not this efficacy from the instrument by which it is ministered : let their gifts and abilities be what they will, it is impossible that ever such effects should be produced from the strength of their natural or gracious abilities, 2 Cor. iv. 7. " We " have this treasure (saith the apostle) in earthen vessels, that the " excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us."
The treasure of the gospel-light is carried tv ospaxmig ffKvitrtv, in earthen vessels, as Gideon and his men had their lamps in earthen pitchers, or in oyster-shells, for so the word also signifies ; the oyster-
58 THE METHOD OF GRACE. 8ERM. Ill,
died is a base and worthless thing in itself; however, there lies the rich and precious pearl of so great value. And why is this precious treasure lodged in such weak, worthless vessels? Surely it is upon no other design but to convince us of the truth I am here to prove, that the excellency of the power is of God, and not of us ; as it follows in the next words. To the same purpose speaks the same apostle, 1 Cor. iii. 7. " So then, neither is he that planteth any " thing, neither he that watereth ; but God that giveth the in- " crease.'1
Not any thing ! What can be more diminutively spoken of the gospel-preachers ? But we must not understand these words in a simple and absolute, but in a comparative and relative sense ; not as if they were not necessary and useful in their place, but that how necessary soever they be, and what excellent gifts soever God hath furnished them with ; yet it is neither in their power nor choice to make the word they preach effectual to men ; if it were, then the damnation of all that hear us must needs lie at our door ; then also, many thousands would have been reconciled to God, which are yet in the state of enmity, but the effect of the gospel is not in our power.
Thirdly, But whatever efficacy it hath to reconcile men to God, it derives from the Spirit of God, whose co-operation and blessing (which is arbitrarily dispensed) gives it all the fruit it hath.
Ministers, saith one *, are like trumpets which make no sound, if breath be not breathed into them. Or like EzekiePs wheels, which move not unless the Spirit move them ; or Elisha's servant, whose presence doth no good except Elisha's spirit be there also. For want of the Spirit of God how many thousands of souls do find the ministry to be nothing to them ? If it be something to the purpose to any soul, it is the Lord that makes it so. This Spirit is not limited by men's gifts or parts ; he concurs not only with their labours who have excellent gifts, but oftentimes blesses mean, des- picable gifts with far greater success.
Suppose, saith f Austin, there be two conduits in a town, one very plain and homely, the other built of polished marble, and adorned with excellent images, as eagles, lions, angels ; the water refreshes as its water, and not as it comes from such or such a conduit. It is the Spirit that gives the word all that virtue it hath : he is the Lord of all saving influences : he hath dominion over the word, over our souls, over the times and seasons of conversion ; and if
* Mr. Anthony Burgess.
f What is the reason why of two adult ungodly persons, the one is so called as to follow him who calls, the other not ? Do not thou judge, if thou wouldst not err : the judgments of God are unsearchable, and he hath mercy on whom he will. Aug. de bono persec. cap. 8.
THE METHOD OF GRACE. 59
any poor creature attend the ministry without benefit, if he go asv ay as he came, without fruit, surely we may say in this case, as Mar- tha said to Christ, in reference to her brother Lazarus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died ; so, Lord, if thou hadst been in this prayer, in this sermon, this poor soul had not gone dead and carnal from under it. And what now remains, but that we apply this truth in those uses that it gives us.
First use qfbiformation.
Is the preaching of the gospel by Chrisfs ambassadors, the way which God takes to reconcile sinners to himself? Then how inex- cusable are all those that continue in their state of enmity, though the ambassadoi-s of peace have been with them all their lives long, wooing and beseeching them to be reconciled to God ?
O invincible, obstinate, incurable disease, which is aggravated by the only proper remedy ! Hath God been wooing and beseeching you by his ambassadors so many years to be reconciled to him, and will you not yield to any intreaties ? Must he be made to speak in vain, to charm the deaf adder ? Well, when the milder attribute hath done with you, the severer attribute will take you in hand.
The Lord hath kept an account of every year and day of his patience towards you, Luke xiii. 7. " These three years I came " seeking fruit on this fig-tree, and find none ;" and Jer. xxv. 3. " These three and twenty years have I spoken unto you, rising " early and speaking, but you have not hearkened."
Well, be you assured, that God hath both the glass of your time, and the vials of his wrath, by him ? and so much of his abused patience as runs out of one, so much of his incensed wrath runs into the other. There is a time when this treaty of peace will end, when the Master of the house will rise up, and the doors be shut, Luke xiii. 25. Then will you be left without hope, and without apology.