3. If you find the work of Conversion wrought in your selves, or see it wrought in others, be sure to ascribe it to the grace of God as the leading cause. No flesh hath any cause to glory, but all the glory is his due: you have used means, attended on ordinances, been constant in duties, & now you find grace coming in upon these, Faith to believe in Christ, and rely upon him, an heart subdued to obedience; say not now that this is your own work; you saw not how it came in, but by this effect you are led up to the cause, and must say the finger of God was in it: Others have done the like for the matter of it, and never the near. You see that your labours with your Children or your servants are blessed, your reproofs and counsels take effect; think not now that you have done the work, or deserve the praise of it; but consider it: God's blessing upon your labours which hath done all: others have been as careful, and yet can see no fruit, God so dispenseth himself to the Children of men, as to take away all boasting, and when we look upon all our gains & attainments we must conclude with Paul, it is by the grace of God we are what we are. ⟨p. 296⟩Had not he come home to us, we had never gone forth to him; had not he been gracious to us, we had died in our sins. Have you seen your sin and misery? he opened your blind eyes; have you arose and gone to him? he saw you first, and being moved with compassion came to you, and took you up in his arms. Study therefore to live to the praise of his Grace; and still wait upon him for the continuance of it; for the completing of your Salvation, and bringing of you to glory, knowing that he who hath begun a good work in you, must also perfect it to the day of the Lord, if ever it be done; and except he leads, you can never follow.
3. If you find the work of Conversion wrought in your selves, or see it wrought in others, be sure to ascribe it to the grace of God as the leading cause. No flesh hath any cause to glory, but all the glory is his due: you have used means, attended on ordinances, been constant in duties, & now you find grace coming in upon these, Faith to believe in Christ, and rely upon him, an heart subdued to obedience; say not now that this is your own work; you saw not how it came in, but by this effect you are led up to the cause, and must say the finger of God was in it: Others have done the like for the matter of it, and never the near. You see that your labours with your Children or your servants are blessed, your reproofs and counsels take effect; think not now that you have done the work, or deserve the praise of it; but consider it: God's blessing upon your labours which havh done all: others have been as careful, and yet can see no fruit, God so dispenseth himself to the Children of men, as to take away all boasting, and when we look upon all our gains & attainments we must conclude with Paul, it is by the grace of God we are what we are. ⟨p. 296⟩Had not he come home to us, we had never gone forth to him; had not he been gracious to us, we had died in our sins. Have you seen your sin and misery? he opened your blind eyes; have you arose and gone to him? he saw you first, and being moved with compassion came to you, and took you up in his arms. Study therefore to live to the praise of his Grace; and still wait upon him for the continuance of it; for the compleating of your Salvation, and bringing of you to glory, knowing that he who hath begun a good work in you, must also perfect it to the day of the Lord, if ever it be done; and except he leads, you can never follow.
