Divine Conduct, or The Mystery of Providence

As to the first, It must be premised that the Question doth not suppose the heart or will of a Christian to be at his own command and dispose in this matter: we cannot resign it, and subject it to the will of God whenever we desire so to do: the duty indeed is ours, but the power by which alone we perform it is Gods: We act as we are acted by the Spirit. It is with our hearts▪ as with meteors hanging in the air▪ ⟨p. 257⟩by the influence of the Sun; while that continues they abide above, but when it fails they fall to the earth: We can do this, and all things else be they never so difficult, through Christ that strengthens us, Phil. 4. 13. But without him we can do nothing, John 15. 5. he doth not say, without me ye can do but little, or without me ye can do nothing but with great difficulty, or without me ye can do nothing perfectly; but without me ye can do nothing at all. And every Christian hath a witness in his own breast to attest this truth: for there are cases frequently occurring in the methods of Providence, in which notwithstanding all their prayers and desires, all their reasonings and strivings, they cannot quiet their hearts fully in the dispose; and will of God; but on the contrary do find all their endeavours in this matter, to be but as the rolling of a returning stone against the Hill: till God say to the heart be still, and to the will give up, nothing can be done.