(Samuel Davies, "Serious Reflections on WAR" 1757)
"When He comes—He will convict the world about sin, righteousness, and judgment!" John 16:8
The Holy Spirit is the only effectual reformer of the world! If He is absent—
legislators may make laws against crime;
philosophers may reason against vice;
ministers may preach against sin;
conscience may remonstrate against evil;
the divine law may prescribe, and threaten hell;
the gospel may invite and allure to heaven;
but all will be in vain!
The strongest arguments, the most melting entreaties, the most alarming denunciations from God and man, enforced with the highest authority, or the most compassionate tears—all will have no effect—all will not effectually reclaim one sinner, nor gain one sincere convert to righteousness!
Paul, Apollos, and Peter, with all their apostolic abilities, can do nothing, without the Holy Spirit. Paul may plant the seed—and Apollos may water it; but God alone can make it grow! "So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything—but only God, who makes things grow!" 1 Corinthians 3:6, 7.
Never will peace and harmony be established in this jangling world—until this Divine Agent takes the work in hand.
It is He alone—who can melt down the obstinate hearts of men into love and peace!
It is He alone—who can soften their rugged and savage tempers, and transform them into mutual benevolence!
It is He alone—who can quench those lusts that set the world on fire, and implant the opposite virtues and graces. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, are mentioned by Paul, as the fruit of the Spirit, because the Spirit alone is the author of them. And if these dispositions were predominant in the world—what a serene, calm, peaceful region would it be,undisturbed with the hurricanes of human passions!
Oh, how much do we need the influence of the blessed Spirit . . .
to break the heart of stone,
to enlighten the dark mind, and
to comfort the desponding soul!
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