Gospel reconciliation, or, Christ's trumpet of peace to the world

Obj. But you say in the second place what need the Lord do all this? God might work it by a word from himself, God might presently show forth his almighty ⟨p. 359⟩power to bring in sinners to himself, he need not stand praying and entreating and answering Objections, bringing of arguments and the like: because he can by his almighty power bring in sinners; he can break the stoutest heart that lives upon the earth, and pull down the proudest spirit, and therefore what need God do all this.

Obj. But you say in the second place what need the Lord do al this? God might work it by a word from himselfe, God might presently shew forth his almighty ⟨p. 359⟩power to bring in sinners to himselfe, he need not stand praying and intreating and answering Objections, bringing of arguments and the like: because he can by his almighty power bring in sinners; he can breake the stoutest heart that lives upon the earth, and pul downe the proudest spirit, and therefore what need God do al this.

Ans. I Answer who a•t thou O man! that reasonest against God? but if you will have reasons, there are many to be given.

Ans. I Answere who a•t thou O man! that reasonest against God? but if you wil have reasons, there are many to be given.

First because God having to work with a rational creature, he will work suitable to the nature of that creature that he is working upon. If God were to work merely upon stones, to raise out of the stones children unto Abraham, then God would but only speak the word and say let it be done, & it should be done, but the Lord loves to do it in a way suitable to a rational creature, now that way is this.