Christs temptation and transfiguration practically explained and improved in several sermons /

2. If you had lived in the Age of signs and wonders, there were hard hearts then, unbelievers then, and blasphemers then, and tempters of God then, Psal. 78. 22, 23, 24. Because they believed not in God, and trusted not in his salvation: Though he had commanded the clouds from above, and opened the doors of heaven: And had rained manna upon them to eat, and had given them of the corn of heaven, &c. to Ver. 32. For all this they sinned still, and believed not for his wondrous works. Extraordinary works will ⟨p. 115⟩not work upon them, upon whom ordinary works will not prevail.

Object. But for them that have to do with the conversion of Indians, and remote parts of the World, is it a tempting of God to ask the gift of Miracles?

Answ. I cannot say so. God may be humbly sought unto about direction in the Gifts of Tongues, and Healing, being so necessary for the Instruments employed, as well as the conviction of the Nations. I dare not determine any thing in the case, but I am satisfied with Acostus his Reasons, why Miracles are not afforded by God now, as well as in the primitive times. Then simple and unlearned men were sent to preach Christianity among the Nations, where many were armed and instructed against it with all kind of Learning and Philosophy: But now learned men are sent to the ignorant, and are superior to them in Reason, and in Civility and Authority; and besides present them a Religion far more credible than their own, that they cannot easily withstand the light of it.

Answ. I cannot say so. God may be humbly sought unto about direction in the Gifts of Tongues, and Healing, being so necessary for the Instruments imployed, as well as the conviction of the Nations. I dare not determine any thing in the case, but I am satisfied with Acostus his Reasons, why Miracles are not afforded by God now, as well as in the primitive times. Then simple and unlearned men were sent to preach Christianity among the Nations, where many were armed and instructed against it with all kind of Learning and Philosophy: But now learned men are sent to the ignorant, and are superior to them in Reason, and in Civility and Authority; and besides present them a Religion far more credible than their own, that they cannot easily withstand the light of it.