When the word of God is purely preached, it penetrates the hearts of all who attend to it. Such as do not persist in resisting it, will obtain the fruits of salvation. The unbeliever is likewise called, convicted, and drawn : but he violently resists the Holy Ghost. Let no man think this to be impossible. St. Stephen said to the Jews, " Ye stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost ; as your fathers did, so do ye." Acts 7, 51. It would have been out of the question to have resisted the Holy Ghost, if he had not caused them to feel his divine, energetic operations. The prophet says, " I [God] have spread out my hands all day, unto a rebellious people." Isa. 65. 2. When God spreads out his hands, he does not spread them into the empty air, as little as his servants, who do not fight as one that beateth the air, I. Cor. 9, 26 ; his hands take hold of the rebellious. But indeed he does not irresistibly force them to receive his grace. His grace is not of so low a value, that it must irresistibly be forced on men ! If men were forced to accept the grace of God, what satisfaction could it be to them ? Heaven itself would be a torment to those that are opposed to its gracious benevolence. Those that perish were also called, convicted, and drawn ; although, as it respects themselves, it was in vain ; but as it respects God, it will manifest his universal goodness and impartiality. It will throw the sole blame of their destruction on their own heads ; and he, in the sight of innumerable intelligent beings, will be justified in their condemnation. None on that day shall be able to say, with truth, Lord, we were sinners by nature, which we could not help ; yet thou didst not redeem us, nor sincerely offer thy spirit to us, that we might have believed, and been saved : thou didst only call us outwardly, which was not sufficient ! No ; every tongue must confess the very reverse. See Isa. 5, 1–7 ; II. Corinth. 2, 15.
posted by reader | 8:15 PM
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