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 But to enlarge a little, we lay down a twofold doctrine. Dost. First, “There is both ability and willingness in the Lord, to give you whatsoever your necessity requires.”

‘Ability,’ What would you have? Salvation and deliverance; then ‘He is able to save to the uttermost, all that come unto him,’ Heb vii 25. Lift up your eyes and behold a wonder, which ye cannot behold, behold a wonder which you cannot know, and put forth this question, Ifa. Ixiii. I.

Who is this that cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah? This that is glorious in his apparel, travelling in the greatness of his strength.’ And his answer will be unto you, it is ‘I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save.’ Gain-say it who will, ‘The pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand, he shall see of the travel of his soul, and be satisfied.’

Now methinks I hear you saying. All that is true, we can set our seals to it; but O, is he willing? there is our question. Willing indeed; one is not more able, than he is willing. What are all his promises, but declarations of his free willingness? What are all his sweet invitations, but to tell you that he is willing, and ye are welcome? ‘He that thirsteth, let him come, and whosoever will, let him come, and take of the water of life freely.’ Ah! what say you to it now? Give us your seal to his willingness also. Go, say ye, why not? Ye have it. Then come away, there is no more wanting, say come; we know he is willing, and we set our seal to his willingness. But is he willing to receive me? Satisfy me in that, and then I will be right. Ah cheat! ye are taking your word back again now, and lifting off your seal; if ye except not-yourself, he will not except you: his invitation is unto all ‘every one come, he that thirsteth, come, he that hath no money, A3come.’