The fourth (and last) volume of discourses, or sermons, on several scriptures

Object. 1 I begin with the First: Say some, with what Justice and Equity can God require this Duty of working out of our salvation, when he knows we have no power to perform it? Either say they, it concerns those that are spiritually inclined and have their salvation already begun, that they perfect it by working of it out; and if so, alas to what purpose is it, when they themselves can act no further than they are acted? They cannot so much as Will their own salvation unless God give them to Will; much less then can they work out their salvation: Or else it concerns all that live under the sound of the Gospel, though Reprobates and cast-aways, though dead in Trespasses and Sins. And is it rational, is it just and equal to bid dead Men work? Or doth it become that God, who would be thought by us to be infinitely merciful and compassionate, to mock and deride humane Miseries, in requiring ⟨p. 19⟩of them things that are impossible? Had he commanded us to bring Light out of Darkness: Had he bid us pull the Stars out of their Orbs, or with one of our Hands to stop the Sun in its course; All these Impossibilities we might as well do, as perform these divine Duties, without divine Assistance; we can as soon glorify our selves as sanctify our selves. Exhort and command never so long, with as great Authority and Vehemency as you please, yet till God move on us and work in us, you may as well expect Stocks and Stones should move at your speaking as we. And if God doth but once begin to move and work in us, we shall work and move without your Exhortations. It is therefore (say such as these) altogether in vain to press Men to Duty till God works in them; for all your Exhortations are not sufficient till he works; and when he works, all your Exhortations will be fruitless.

Answ. To this I Answer, and because it is the common Plea of Sinners why they do not work, and it is that which questionless doth too often rise in the Hearts and Thoughts of most Men, whereby they are greatly discouraged, and their Hands weakened in their Obedience: I shall, therefore the more largely ⟨p. 20⟩