The Scripture directory for church-officers and people, or, A practical commentary upon the whole…

First, Because even in natural blessings, and outward mercies, success is attributed to God, not to men, much more in spirituals. Thus the Psalmist attributes to God, That the ridges are full of corn, that cattle are fruitful and do not miscarry. God he keeps the key of Heaven, and gives earthly blessings, as he pleaseth. Thus the blessing of the Lord that makes rich, Prov. 10.22. And the battle is not many times to the strong, or the race to swift, or wealth to the wise, Eccl. 12.9. but all is as God orders it. If then these ordinary mercies, which are wholly natural, are only by God, he gives life, he gives wealth, he gives strength, how much more doth this hold in supernaturals?

First, Because even in natural blessings, and outward mercies, successe is attributed to God, not to men, much more in spirituals. Thus the Psalmist attributes to God, That the ridges are full of corn, that cattel are fruitfull and do not miscarry. God he keeps the key of Heaven, and gives earthly blessings, as he pleaseth. Thus the blessing of the Lord that makes rich, Prov. 10.22. And the battel is not many times to the strong, or the race to swift, or wealth to the wise, Eccl. 12.9. but all is as God orders it. If then these ordinary mercies, which are wholy natural, are only by God, he gives life, he gives wealth, he gives strength, how much more doth this hold in supernaturals?

Secondly, God only can give increase, Because he only hath the supreme power and dominion over mens hearts. We are teachers to the ear, God is a teacher of the heart. God is the only searcher of the heart, he knoweth the thoughts and inward affections of men; and so God only maketh and fashioneth the hearts of men. Let us then look up with more earnest prayer to God, that his Spirit would move upon these waters. Not only the Law, but the Gospel is but the letter merely, and the administration of death, if the Spirit of God doth not enliven it.