A practical exposition of the Lord's-Prayer

I answer; These Exhortations, they carry their own Blessing with them, to those to whom God means them for good. As God's […]. Word carried with it its Power; Be there Light, and it was Light: And as Christ's Word carried forth his Power, it was not in vain to say, La•• rus, come forth, tho he was dead, and could not hear it; there was a mighty Power went with the Word. So there's Power goes along with the Exhortations of the Gospel, to work Grace in the Hearts of those to whom God intends it as a Blessing.

I answer; These Exhortations, they carry their own Blessing with them, to those to vvhom God means them for good. As God's 〈…〉. Word carried vvith it its Povver; Be there Light, and it was Light: And as Christ's Word carried forth his Povver, it vvas not in vain to say, La•• rus, come forth, tho he vvas dead, and could not hear it; there vvas a mighty Povver vvent vvith the Word. So there's Power goes along vvith the Exhortations of the Gospel, to vvork Grace in the Hearts of those to vvhom God intends it as a Blessing.

Yea, but if this be for the Elects sake only, and to convey that Power to them, to what use doth it stand to others? If the Elect did dwell alone, and were a distinct Community among themselves, the Objection were plausible; but they are hidden among others: Therefore Reprobates are called obiter, by the by, as others are called according to purpose; and therefore they have the Benefit of the common Call, and the common Offer. The World stands for the Elects sake, yet others have the Benefit of the World, and worldly Things. So the Word is preached for the Elects sake, yet others have the Benefit of an external Call. The Sun shines, tho blind ⟨p. 292⟩Men see it not. The Rain falls upon Rocks and Mountains, as well as fruitful Valleys: So God may suffer these Exhortations to light upon wicked Men. And again, as to them, it is for their Conviction, it is to bridle their Corruptions; it is at least a means to civilize them, and keep them from growing worse: Therefore such kind of Doctrines and Persuasions restrain their Wickedness. Therefore it stands well enough with the Wisdom of the Law-giver, to call upon Men, and invite them, with Promises and Threatenings, to Repentance.