Discourses upon the Existence and Attributes of God

1. In Gifting of the Spirits of Men. Earthly Magistrates have hands too short, to inspire the Hearts of their Subjects with worthy sentiments. When they confer an employment, they are not able to convey an ability with it fit for the station. They may as soon frame a Statue of liquid water, and guild, or paint it over with the costliest colours, as impart to any a State-Head, for a State-Ministry. But when God chooseth a Saul from so mean an employment as seeking of Asses, he can treasure up in him a Spirit fit for Government. And fire David, in Age a ⟨p. 720⟩stripling, and by Education a Shepherd, with Courage to Encounter, and skill to defeat a massy Goliath. And when he designs a person for Glory, to stand before his Throne, he can put a new and a Royal Spirit into him. Ezek. 36.26. God only can infuse habits into the Soul, to capacitate it to act nobly and generously.

1. In Gifting of the Spirits of Men. Earthly Magistrates have hands too short, to inspire the Hearts of their Subjects with worthy sentiments. When they conferre an employment, they are not able to convey an ability with it fit for the station. They may as soon frame a Statue of liquid water, and guild, or paint it over with the costliest colours, as impart to any a State-Head, for a State-Ministry. But when God chooseth a Saul from so mean an employment as seeking of Asses, he can treasure up in him a Spirit fit for Government. And fire David, in Age a ⟨p. 720⟩stripling, and by Education a Shepherd, with Courage to Encounter, and skill to defeat a massy Goliah. And when he designs a person for Glory, to stand before his Throne, he can put a new and a Royal Spirit into him. Ezek. 36.26. God only can infuse habits into the Soul, to capacitate it to act nobly and generously.