A practical exposition of the Lord's-Prayer

As to the means, God trieth Key after Key, one Providence after another. As when a Man would open a Door, he knows not what Key will fit the Lock, he trieth Key after Key: So God trieth one Cross, one Affliction after another, one Sermon, one Message after another; ⟨p. 287⟩but until he puts his Fingers upon the hole of the Lock, we shall not open.

But these Words are not emphatical enough; therefore it is expressed by a Regeneration; John 3. 3. Except a Man be born again, he cannot see the Kingdom of God: Mark, they must not only be reformed, but must be regenerated, and born again.

Now because this is an ordinary Work which falleth out in the course of Causes, therefore there's a more solemn Notion used, it is expressed by a Resurrection; Eph. 2. 5. He hath raised you up together with Christ. Yea, but that which hath been may be again; therefore it is expressed not only by a Resurrection, but by a Creation; Ephes. 2. 10. We are his Workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good Works: 2 Cor. 4. 6. He that commandeth the Light to shine out of Darkness, hath shined in our Hearts: And we are called New-Creatures. And higher than this, it is expressed not only by a Creation, but by a Victory, and overcoming: It is resembled by beating and binding of the strong Man, and rescuing, and taking away his Prey from him;