CXLV expository sermons upon the whole 17th chapter of the Gospel according to St.…

In that Discourse he well showeth how that when God hath infused Grace into a mans heart, it is not as when the Husbandman hath prepared and fitted the ground, and hath cast his Seed into it, then he leaveth it that of its one self it may fructify and bring forth Corn; But as the Air when it is enlightened by the Sun-beams needeth the continual presence of them, so that if but for an hour light be withdrawn it is presently dark; Thus if God should from the most holy men withdraw his gracious help but for a moment, they would be immediately plunged into all evil, for if the Heavens that are so glorious Creatures, and for their firm settling called the Firmament, do yet wholly stand by the Omnipotent power and Word of God, how much rather must the eminent and dear Children of God be preserved in their supernatural Life by the same Grace and divine might; Hence 1 Chron. ult. David prayeth, that what good there was for the present in the peoples hearts, God would always keep it in them; Thus perseverance then is not the fruit of our own strength, nor is it bestowed for any antecedent merits of our own, but merely from the grace and favour of God, but of this more, v. 15.

In that Discourse he well sheweth how that when God hath infused Grace into a mans heart, it is not as when the Husbandman hath prepared and fitted the ground, and hath cast his Seed into it, then he leaveth it that of its one self it may fructifie and bring forth Corn; But as the Air when it is enlightened by the Sun-beams needeth the continuall presence of them, so that if but for an hour light be withdrawn it is presently dark; Thus if God should from the most holy men withdraw his gracious help but for a moment, they would be immediatly plunged into all evil, for if the Heavens that are so glorious Creatures, and for their firm setling called the Firmament, doe yet wholly stand by the Omnipotent power and Word of God, how much rather must the eminent and dear Children of God be preserved in their supernaturall Life by the same Grace and divine might; Hence 1 Chron. ult. David praieth, that what good there was for the present in the peoples hearts, God would alwaies keep it in them; Thus perseverance then is not the fruit of our own strength, nor is it bestowed for any antecedent merits of our own, but meerly from the grace and favour of God, but of this more, v. 15.