The application of redemption

For the meaning of that received expression, the Will cannot be compelled, is this, In all the acts the Will puts forth, she is a cause by counsel, and acts from the inward power and ability that is implanted in her; to be compelled, is to act by constraining force from without: now for the will to act from her own power inwardly, and yet to be acted by a contrary power from without, are Contradictions. The will then (in a word) cannot be constrained to do, but it may be constrained to ⟨p. 393⟩suffer without any the least prejudice to liberty; and so it is here in this work I now mention, a mere sufferer.

For the meaning of that received expression, the Will cannot be compelled, is this, In all the acts the Will puts forth, she is a cause by counsel, and acts from the inward power and ability that is implanted in her; to be compelled, is to act by constraining force from without: now for the will to act from her own power inwardly, and yet to be acted by a contrary power from without, are Contradictions. The will then (in a word) cannot be constrained to do, but it may be constrained to ⟨p. 393⟩suffer without any the least prejudice to liberty; and so it is here in this work I now mention, a meer sufferer.

Thus Job, 36, 10. The Lord said to command men from iniquity; he not only directs, but by a sovereign power carries the soul from iniquity: thus lamenting Ephraim entreats, Jer. 31. 18. Turn me and I shall be turned, thou art the Lord my God: And Paul was sent, Acts, 20. 18. To turn men from darkness to light; and so the whole frame of Scripture runs: they are said to be wounded, burdened, […], when they should avoid the blow, and remove the burden, were in their choice, but they are pressed under the hand of the Lord, which they are not able to escape, though not able to undergo it: Hence it is that though by reason of the presence of the body of death that yet remains, there will be some stirrings of distemper, which will raise up some mutinies and conspiracies against the work and preventing Grace of God, yet there will never be power nor possibility, so far to resist as to hinder the work of Conversion, and effectual bringing of the soul to God: As in an Army wholly defeated, and routed, and scattered, their Commanders slain, and strong Holds taken, and their Country possessed; though some roving Troops may happily pilfer and forage up and down here and there in secret, when they are not observed; yet they are never able to make head, or come into the Field. So here.