Riches of mercy to men in misery, or, Certain excellent treatises concerning the dignity…

Now it is true, there are other things which a man may do, which hath not this saving grace; but grace hath this efficacy, that it makes thee do more then any man will or can do by common nature. As for example, wheresoever the power of grace is, it makes a man deny himself, whereas another man would not, it will make a man refuse gain, and profit, and advantage to himself, when another man would not; it makes a man able to forgive his enemies, which before he could not do.

But you will say, other men may do this that have no grace.

But they never do it in sincerity, here is the difference; grace makes a man do it ordinarily in his common course, another man may have some fits in these things, but to do it when a man is himself, to do it upon deliberation, this is the strength of grace, therefore you may try your selves by that. Am I able to do more then common nature can do? if thou canst not, be sure that grace is not there; for is there not an efficacy and power in grace? and why should we say there is a power in it, if we see not the effects of that power? if thou do no more then another man can do, thou givest just cause to those that are Atheists, to think that this power of grace is but a mere notion, but a fancy. Is it thinkest thou for the honour of God, that thou shouldest be reckoned a man within the Covenant; and to be such a one as hath grace wrought in thy heart, and have no power of grace in thy life? Therefore examine thy self by that, canst thou do more then a man can do by the strength of natural abilities? or by the accession of moral virtues, or good education, or humane ⟨p. 199⟩wisdom, &c? This is the first thing wherein the power of grace is seen; I named three to you. We told you one is, that it heals corrupt nature, and raiseth common nature above its own sphere.