The danger of prosperity discovered in several sermons upon Prov. I. 27 /

and nothing more heightens sensuality, and increases the averseness of carnal Men to the holy Law of God, and makes their Conversion more difficult than Prosperity. Indeed, the Spirit of God can by effectual Grace convert the most unprepared habituate Sinner, the most obstinate Enemy of Holiness; he can melt the most rocky stubborn Heart, into a holy softness and compliance with its Duty; for creating Power is of infallible Efficacy; and there are some Objects and Miracles of Divine Grace, that are the everlasting Monuments of its glorious Power in subduing the most fierce violence of rebellious Sinners. But the Spirit of God does not work as natural Agents, that are active to the extent of their ⟨p. 62⟩Power. The Winds blow with all their force, and the Sun enlightens the Air with all its lustre. The holy Spirit is an intelligent and voluntary Agent, whose Power in working is regulated by his Will, and directed by his Wisdom. There are some things repugnant to the Divine Attributes, 'that 'tis impossible God should do them: the Apostle saith, that God cannot lye, for 'tis contrary to his Truth, one of his essential Perfections. And 'tis as impossible that he should do any thing unbecoming his Wisdom. He threatened the sensual World, My Spirit shall not always strive ¹with Man, for he is Flesh; that is, corrupt and indulgent to his fleshly Appetites, and alway opposing and controlling the pure Motions of the Spirit. We read that ⟨p. 63⟩our Saviour could do no mighty ²Works in his own Country, because of their unbelief: Not as if their Infidelity abated his Divine Power, but they were unprepared to receive benefit by them, his Miracles would have been cast away upon such inconvincible Persons. Who will sow the barren Sands, or water dead Plants, or give a rich Cordial to a furious Patient that will spill it on the ground? And 'tis an Act of Justice to deprive Sinners of those Inspirations which they have so long resisted. Those who are tender and tractable, and unfeignedly resign up themselves to his conduct in the Ways of Life, shall receive more powerful Influences to perfect the blessed Work begun in them: He will give more Grace to the humble: But those who are so far from valuing ⟨p. 64⟩