xi. 14. i. e. in a way of rational conviction of the mind and con- science, and effectual persuasion of the will.
But yet by moral persuasion, we must not understand a simple and bare proposal or tender of Christ and grace, leaving it still at the sinner's choice, whether he will comply with it or no. * For though God does not force the will contrary to its nature, yet there is a real internal efficacy implied in this drawing, or an im- mediate operation of the Spirit upon the heart and will, which, in a way congruous and suitable to its nature, takes away the rebellion and reluctance of it, and of unwilling, makes it willing to come to Christ. And, in this respect, we own a physical, as well as a moral influence of the Spirit in this work ; and so scripture expresses it, Eph. i. 19, 20. " That we may know what is the exceeding great- " ness of his power towards us who believe, according to the work- " ing of his mighty power, which he wrought in Christ, when he " raised him from the dead." Here is much more than a naked proposal made to the will ; there is a power as well as a tender ; greatness of power ; and yet more, the exceeding greatness of his power ; and this power hath an actual efficacy ascribed to it, he works upon our hearts and wills according to the working of his mighty power which he wrought in Christ, when he raised himjrom the dead. Thus he fulfils in us all the good pleasure of his will, and the work of faith with power, 2 Thess. i. 11.
And this is that which the schools call gratia efficax, effectual grace ; and others victrix delectatio, an overcoming, conquering delight-)-: thus the work is carried on with a most efficacious sweetness. So that the liberty of the will is not infringed, whilst the obstinacy of the will is effectually subdued and over-ruled. For want of this, there are so many almost Christians in the world ; hence are all those vanishing and imperfect works which come to nothing, called in scripture, a morning cloud, an early dew. Had this mighty power gone forth with the word,, they had never va- nished or perished like embryos as they do. So then, God draws not only in a moral way, by proposing a suitable object to the will, but also in a physical way, or by immediate powerful influence upon the will ; not infringing the liberty of it, but yet infallibly and effectually persuading it to come to Christ.
Secondly, Next let us consider the marvellous way and manner in which the Lord draws the souls of poor sinners to Jesus Christ, and you will find he doth it,
• We do not see God preaching, writing, and teaching, yet we believe as if we saw these; for all truth hath a power of inclining the mind to assent ; the greater truth, the greater power, and the greatest truth, the greatest power of all. But why then do not all believe the gospel ? I answer, because all are not drawn by God. Baptist. Manluanus tie jxiticntia, lib. 5. cap. 2.
f A certain heavenly sweelness. Jansenius Jug. lib. iv. cap. I.
THE METHOD OF GKA( F. 71
1. Gradually, 4. Effectually,
2. Congruously, and 8". Powerfully, 5. Finally.
First, This blessed work is carried on by the Spirit gradually ; bringing the soul step by step in the due method and order of the gospel to Christ ; illumination, conviction, compunction, prepare the way to Christ; and then faith unites the soul to him: without humiliation there can be no faith, Matt. xxi. 32. " Ye repented " not, that ye might believe.'" It is the burdensome sense of sin, that brings the soul to Christ for rest, Matt. xi. 28. " Come unto " me all ye that are weary and heavy laden." But without con- viction there can be no compunction, no humiliation ; he that is not convinced of his sin and misery, never bewails it, nor mourns for it. Never was there one tear of true repentance seen to drop from the eye of an unconvinced sinner.
And without illumination there can be no conviction ; for what is conviction, but the application of the light which is in the un- derstanding, or mind of a man, to his heart and conscience ? Acts ii. 37. In this order, therefore, the Spirit (ordinarily) draws souls to Christ, he shines into their minds by illumination ; applies that light to their consciences by effectual conviction ; breaks and wounds their hearts for sin in compunction ; and then moves the will to embrace and close with Christ in the way of faith for life and salvation.
These several steps are more distinctly discerned in some Chris- tians than in others ; they are more clearly to be seen in the adult convert, than in those that were drawn to Christ in their youth ; in such as were drawn to him out of a sta^ of profaneness, than in those that had the advantage of a pious education ; but in this order the work is carried on ordinarily in all, however it differ in point of clearness in the one and in the other.
Secondly, He draws sinners to Christ congruously, and very agreeably to the nature and way of man, so he spesks, Hos. xi. 4. " I drew them with the * cords of a man, with bands of love ;" Not as beasts are drawn ; but as men are inclined and wrought to compliance, by rational conviction of their judgments, and power- ful persuasion of their wills : the minds of sinners are naturally blinded by ignorance, 2 Cor. iv. 3, 4. and their affections bewitch- ed to their lusts, Gal. iii. 4. and whilst it is thus, no arguments or entreaties can possibly prevail to bring them off from the ways of sin to Christ.
The way therefore which the Lord takes to win and draw them
* Funibus hominum (i. e.) humanis : mm quibus trmti ac deduci solent boves. '
THE METHOD OF GRACE. SERM. IV
to Christ, is by rectifying their false apprehensions, and shewing them infinitely more good in Christ than in the cteature and in their lusts ; yea, by satisfying their understandings, that there is goodness enough in Jesus Christ, to whom he is drawing them.
First, Enough to out-bid all temporal good, which is to be de- nied for his sake.
Secondly, Enough to preponderate all temporal evils, which are to be suffered for his sake.
First, That there is more good in Christ than in all temporal good things, which we are to deny or forsake upon his account. This being once clearly and convincingly discovered to the under- standing, the will is thereby prepared to quit all that which en- tangles and with-holds it from coming to Christ. There is no man that loves money so much, but he will willingly part with it, for that which is more worth to him than the sum he parts with to purchase it, Matth. xiii. 56, 46. " The kingdom of heaven is like " to a merchant-man, seeking goodly pearls, who when he hath " found one pearl of great price, goeth and selleth all that he hath " and buyeth it."