A discourse of the saving grace of God

1. For those Affairs which depend on the Wills of other Men: They cannot depend on God for the ordering of them; for none are to depend on him for things which are not at his disposal: But the Wills of Men, and so the Affairs which depend thereon, are not (with them) at Gods disposal; since, by their Principles, he cannot sway their Wills effectually one way or other; for this, in their Account, is to destroy their natural Liberty.

2. As to spiritual Concerns, for the making of Grace, or the means of Grace effectual. For the Promoting of Holiness, for the Growth or Exercise of it, or for ⟨p. 69⟩Perseverance in it, there is no need to depend on God: For it is not necessary to depend on another for that which is in his own Power. Now these things, and the like, are in the Power of his own Will; he is the Master of them, if he will not be wanting to himself. Indeed it is more in their own Power, than in the Power of God; for every Mans Will can determine it self to these things, but God cannot, without destroying the Will: For if he determine it, he leaves it not indifferent; and if it be not indifferent, it is not free; and if it be not free, it is not an humane Will: And therefore they have more reason to depend on themselves, where they believe the Power is, than on God, where they say it is not. If there be any reason to rely on God, it is for further continuance of that which they call sufficient Grace: But there is no more need to depend on him for this, than the other; for this is never withdrawn, unless they be contumacious, and obstinately resist it: But then it is in their Power not to resist, but comply with it; and if they will not, God cannot help it: For when he has put forth all the Operations of his Grace upon the Soul, the Will is at liberty, ⟨p. 70⟩and has Power to do as it list. The Power is most in Man still; and where the Power is, there must be the Dependence, upon themselves rather than upon God; though this Self-dependence be under the Curse of God in Scripture, and plainly deserves his heavyest Curse.