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

3. Christ is not only in us thus freely working in us, but he hath also bounded and ordered the way of dispensations of his grace, so that he doth not put forth power in us ⟨p. 631⟩after we are regenerated, as if we were so many brute creatures, but he requireth our co-operation and stirring up of our selves. Though in the initials of grace we are passive, yet not in the progress; and though it be Christ that doth daily quicken and preserve us, yet we so distemper our selves, that some obstructions may be put to his operative presence. As

3. Christ is not only in us thus freely working in us, but he hath also bounded and ordered the way of dispensations of his grace, so that he doth not put forth power in us ⟨p. 631⟩after we are regenerated, as if we were so many bruit creatures, but he requireth our co-operation and stirring up of our selves. Though in the initials of grace we are passive, yet not in the progress; and though it be Christ that doth daily quicken and preserve us, yet we so distemper our selves, that some obstructions may be put to his operative presence. As

1. Unbelief, Christ worketh in us, yet so as by faith, insomuch that we are not only justified by faith, but we are in the progress of holiness, sanctified by faith. Hence Ephes. 3.17. Christ is said, To dwell in our hearts by faith: It's by faith we receive of the fullness and fatness of Christ, insomuch that where faith is not, there Christ doth not put forth his power; So that as our Saviour said to Mary, If thou doest believe, thou shalt see the glory of God, Joh. 10. so if thou actest faith, and dost put that on working, then thou wilt both see and feel the glorious presence of Christ; Therefore there is no blame in Christ, his arm is not shortened; This fountain would send forth such living streams it useth to do, only thou dammest it up, that it cannot run.