The Method of Grace

But yet by Moral persuasion we must not understand a simple and bare proposal or tender of Christ and grace, leaving it still at the sinners choice whether he will comply ⟨p. 72⟩with it or no, ^*for though God do not force the will contrary to its nature, yet there is a real internal efficiency implied in this drawing, or an immediate operation of the Spirit upon the heart and will which in a way Congruous and suitable to its nature takes away the rebellion and reluctance of it, and of unwilling makes it willing to come to Christ: and in this respect we own a physical as well as a Moral influence of the Spirit in this work: and so the Scripture expresses it, Eph. 1. 19, 20. that we may know what is the exceeding greatness of his power towards us who believe, according to the working of his mighty power which he wrought in Christ when he raised him from the dead: here is much more than a naked proposal made to the will, there is a power as well as a tender, greatness of power, and yet more, the exceeding greatness of his power; and this power hath an actual efficiency ascribed to it, he works upon our hearts and wills according to the working of his mighty power which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead: thus he fulfils in us all the good pleasure of his will, and the work of faith with power, 2 Thes. 1. 11.

But yet by Moral perswasion we must not understand a simple and bare proposal or tender of Christ and grace, leaving it still at the sinners choice whether he will comply ⟨p. 72⟩with it or no, ^*for though God do not force the will contrary to its nature, yet there is a real internal efficiency implyed in this drawing, or an immediate operation of the Spirit upon the heart and will which in a way Congruous and suitable to its nature takes away the rebellion and reluctance of it, and of unwilling makes it willing to come to Christ: and in this respect we own a physical as well as a Moral influence of the Spirit in this work: and so the Scripture expresses it,