A practical exposition of the Lord's-Prayer

2. There is a real Work, which goes along with this Persuasion; there is an Almighty Power: For bare Persuasion cannot make the Blind to see, the Dead to live, or open the Heart of Man, that is so desperately and obstinately wicked, until he puts his Fingers upon the Holes of the Lock, until he begins to open the Heart.

Concerning this real Work, observe, it is secret, yet through and prevailing, so as the Effect doth follow, when God will convert. The exact Manner of God's drawing is unknown; Austin calls it an inward, hidden, and unspeakable Power, which God putteth forth together with the Word; it is marvellous in our Eyes; but he that knew how to create Souls, knows how to work upon them. This Power, it is like the Influences of the Heavens, which so insinuate themselves with the Operation of second Causes, that they cannot be seen: so there is such a mighty Power working in us, tho we cannot tell how to express it. We cannot say there is no such Power, because we do not know what it is.

Concerning this real Work, observe, it is secret, yet thorow and prevailing, so as the Effect doth follow, when God will convert. The exact Manner of God's drawing is unknown; Austin calls it an inward, hidden, and unspeakable Power, which God putteth forth together with the Word; it is marvellous in our Eyes; but he that knew how to creat Souls, knows how to work upon them. This Power, it is like the Influences of the Heavens, which so insinuate themselves with the Operation of second Causes, that they cannot be seen: so there is such a mighty Power working in us, tho we cannot tell how to express it. We cannot say there is no such Power, because we do not know what it is.

And as this Power is secret, so when this Power is put forth, it is prevailing; he works prevailingly, so as the Effect must necessarily follow. The Grace God gives to Men, to convert them, it is not a Power to be converted, repent, and believe, if they will; no, but he gives Repentance,