The saints guide, in three treatises

Object. Is it then in our power to make the word effectual?

Object. Is it then in our power to make the word effectuall?

Answ. No, but it is your power to do more then you do, your legs may as well earry you to the word, as to an Ale-house, your ears may hear the word as well as idle tales, you may sing as well Psalms as idle songs, you may read good books, as well as Play-books, do you what you are able to do, put all your strength, and diligence unto it, and then cast your selves upon God, and tell his Majesty, that fain you would forsake every evil way, but of your self you are not able, and though the ⟨p. 118⟩spirit be somewhat willing yet the flesh is weak, and that you have a base deceitful heart that is ready to embrace every occasion of sinning, that lieth in the way, beseech him therefore not only to begin, but to consummate every good work within you; Though it be not in mens power to save themselves, yet their own Consciences will tell them, that they might do more then they do. Luke 7.29.30. The Publicans justified God, (that is said that he was faithful and merciful) Being Baptized with the baptism of John, but the Pharisees, and Lawyers rejected the counsel of God, against themselves, (or to their own hurt) and were not Baptized of John; terms of grace and Salvation, were offered ⟨p. 119⟩both to Publicans, and Pharisees, the one reject the good counsel of God given, the other accept of it; therefore when we see others called, converted by the same means we live under, we should blame our selves, and reflect upon our souls, and say, the word would have enlightened me, had I not contemned it, it would have quickened me had I not gainsaid it, I was almost converted, I had some tastes of Heaven and happiness, but, oh, wretch that I was, company came, thoughts of the world came and choked it, the Lord hath oftentimes knocked at my heart but I would not set open the doors of my soul that the King of glory might come in.