With regard to the former, we may observe, there is a kind of order, wherein God himself is generally pleased, to use these means, in bringing a sinner to salvation. A stupid, senseless wretch is going on in his own way, not having God in all his thoughts, when God comes upon him unawares, perhaps by an awakening sermon or conversation, perhaps by some awful providence; or it may be by an immediate stroke of his convincing Spirit, without any outward means at all. Having now a desire to flee from the wrath to come, he purposely goes to _hear_, how it may be done. If he finds a preacher who speaks to the heart, he is amazed, and begins _searching the scriptures_, whether these things are so? The more he _hears_ and _reads_, the more convinced he is; and the more he _meditates_ thereon, day and night. Perhaps he finds some other book, which explains and inforces what he has heard and read in scripture. And by all these means, the arrows of conviction sink deeper into his soul. He begins also to _talk_ of the things of God, which are ever uppermost in his thoughts: yea, and to talk with God, to _pray_ to him, although through fear and shame, he scarce knows what to say. But whether he can speak or no, he cannot but pray, were it only in _groans which cannot be uttered_. Yet being in doubt, whether _the high and lofty one that inhabiteth eternity_ will regard such a sinner as him, he wants to pray with those who know God, with the faithful, in the _great congregation_. But here he observes others go up to the _table of the Lord_. He considers, Christ has said, “Do this!” How is it, that I do not? I am too great a sinner. I am not fit. I am not worthy. After struggling with these scruples awhile, he breaks through. And thus he continues in God’s way, in hearing, reading, meditating, praying, and partaking of the Lord’s supper, till God, in the manner that pleases him, speaks to his heart, _Thy faith hath saved thee! Go in peace!_
2. By observing this order of God, we may learn what means to recommend to any particular soul. If any of these will reach a stupid, careless sinner, it is probably _hearing_ or _conversation_. To such therefore we might recommend these, if he has ever any thought about salvation. To one who begins to feel the weight of his sins, not only hearing the word of God, but _reading_ it too, and perhaps other _serious books_, may be a means of deeper conviction. May you not advise him also, to _meditate_ on what he reads, that it may have its full force upon his heart? Yea, and to _speak_ thereof and not be ashamed, particularly among those who walk in the same path. When trouble and heaviness take hold upon him, should you not then earnestly exhort him, to pour out his soul before God? Always to _pray and not to faint_? And when he feels the worthlessness of his own prayers, are you not to work together with God, and remind him of going up into _the house of the Lord_, and praying with all them that fear him? But if he does this, the _dying word_ of his Lord, will soon be brought to his remembrance: a plain intimation, that this is the time, when we should second the motions of the blessed Spirit. And thus may we lead him step by step, through all the means which God has ordained; not according to our own will, but just as the providence and the Spirit of God go before and open the way.
3. * Yet as we find no command in holy writ, for any particular order to be observed herein, so neither do the providence and the Spirit of God, adhere to any without variation: but the means into which different men are led, and in which they find the blessing of God, are varied, transposed and combined together, a thousand different ways. Yet still our wisdom is, to follow the leadings of his providence and his Spirit: to be guided herein (more especially as to the means wherein we ourselves seek the grace of God) partly by his outward providence, giving us the opportunity of using sometimes one means, sometimes another: partly by our experience, which it is whereby his free Spirit is pleased most to work in our heart. And in the mean time, the sure and general rule for all who groan for the salvation of God, is this, whenever opportunity serves, use all the means which God has ordained. For who knows, in which God will meet thee, with the grace that bringeth salvation?