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

¹2. As it doth not work necessarily, so neither as a natural cause, that hath inward power to produce its effects; As the fire hath an inherent strength to burn, the Earth an inherent power to bring forth fruit, or as a two edged Sword pierceth: For though the Word be compared to it, yet

1. 12. Nor as a natural cause.

¹3. This efficacy is only by Institution, according to the command and good pleasure of God: Of it self it worketh no more then Exhortations to a dead man, but when clothed with divine authority, then it beateth down every thing that opposeth it self; If then we are bound to pray to God that he would make natural causes, though with so much inherent proneness, to cause their effects, as that our bread may nourish us, our clothes may warm us, how much rather when there is no such natural efficiency; If man lives not by bread alone, but by every word proceeding out of Gods mouth, much less is man converted, enlightened, or regenerated by Preaching of the Word only, without the power of God manifested from heaven; Yet oh the security, the senselessness of most people herein, They do not earnestly contend in prayer with God before they come hither; What earnest wrestlings and strivings hast thou had with God to day, that thy soul might be put into an heavenly travel, and Christ be formed in thee? This is the true reason why you hear your selves into damnation, and we preach you into greater and greater spiritual judgements daily, because few are diligent in praying for a blessing upon that which shall be delivered to them.

¹3. This efficacy is only by Institution, according to the command and good pleasure of God: Of it self it worketh no more then Exhortations to a dead man, but when cloathed with divine authority, then it beateth down every thing that opposeth it self; If then we are bound to pray to God that he would make naturall causes, though with so much inherent pronenesse, to cause their effects, as that our bread may nourish us, our cloaths may warm us, how much rather when there is no such naturall efficiency; If man lives not by bread alone, but by every word proceeding out of Gods mouth, much lesse is man converted, enlightned, or regenerated by Preaching of the Word only, without the power of God manifested from heaven; Yet oh the security, the sencelesnesse of most people herein, They do not earnestly contend in praier with God before they come hither; What earnest wrastlings and strivings hast thou had with God to day, that thy soul might be put into an heavenly travell, and Christ be formed in thee? This is the true reason why you heare your selves into damnation, and we preach you into greater and greater spirituall judgements daily, because few are diligent in praying for a blessing upon that which shall be delivered to them.