Grace, Sovereign, Free, Omnipotent

Among the many thousands who attended the preaching of the immortal Whitefield, there were some who came to scoff, or to get material wherewith afterwards to amuse their companions. We are informed that, on one occasion, four young men met together, and laid a wager, to be given to him who should best mimic the great preacher. One of these was named Thorpe. They were each to open the Bible at haphazard, take the first verse that presented itself, and make an extempore address from it. Thorpe’s three companions each made their attempt in succession; then he said, “I shall beat you all.” Mounting the table, which served them for a platform, he opened his Bible, and a wonderful providence directed his attention to those soul-stirring words, “Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish” (Luke 13:3). The moment he had read this text, a great change took place in his mind. His mouth was opened to speak with much more feeling than he intended. His tones became so earnest and solemn that his hearers were greatly awed. When he had finished, he jumped from the table, and hastily left the spot, without so much as mentioning the wager. He hastened to some place of retirement, where he became the subject of mighty convictions. These convictions led to his conversion, and ultimately he became a preacher of that holy Gospel which he had so thoughtlessly and so wickedly ridiculed.

Reader, how mysterious are God’s ways, both in providence and in grace! And sometimes they dovetail each other in a remarkable manner. As to the former, we may well unite with the poet and say—

“God moves in a mysterious way, 

His wonders to perform;”

and as to the latter, we may say with another—

“Wonders of grace to God belong; 

Repeat His mercies in your song.”

How little did that young man think, when he joined his godless companions in blasphemous mockery of God’s servant, that he should there and then experience converting grace! How sovereign, free, and powerful is that grace! It is sovereign. It passes by one and changes another—‘’I will take you one of a city and two of a family.” In this instance it passed by three young men and saved the fourth, and he equally guilty with the rest. None of them had ever sought the mercy of the Lord. Then what claim had any of them upon that mercy? Had the Lord, in infinite wisdom and justice, cut them all off instantly in their sins, and sent them to the bottomless pit, it would have been no more than they deserved, and might reasonably expect, for their sins—

“Should sudden vengeance seize my breath, 

I must pronounce Thee just in death; 

And if my soul were sent to hell,

Thy righteous law approves it well.”

Grace is free. No man can lay claim to it, however moral, correct, consistent, or virtuous he may be. “All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” “By grace are ye saved, through faith; and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God; not of works, lest any man should boast.” “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and the renewing of the Holy Ghost.”

On another occasion, when Whitefield was preaching in the open air, he took his station beneath a tree. A poor half-witted man ascended the tree behind him, and, imitating the gestures of the preacher, caused some distracting merriment in the congregation. Whitefield perceived it, and also the cause, but took no notice until a suitable opportunity arrived. He was speaking of the freeness of sovereign grace. Said he, “Grace can save any man, woman, or child, no matter how wicked, if God wills it. None are beyond the reach of His powerful grace. He can save the foul blasphemer, the miserable drunkard, the filthy whoremonger.” Then, turning himself round, and pointing to the poor imbecile who was causing such unseemly merriment, he said, “God can even save this poor man in the tree behind me, and make him a signal monument of divine mercy.” And so it proved. Conviction seized him at that time, and he was subsequently led to seek and obtain pardon and peace through the blood of the cross.

Grace is powerful. It is omnipotent, irresistible. True, we read that the carnal Jews always resisted the Holy Ghost—that is, they withstood and contradicted the testimony of the Apostles. And so, indeed, does every man, in his natural state, deny the light and truth of a Gospel ministry. But still, in the case of every vessel of mercy, grace conquers, sooner or later, for it is like its Author, almighty. How manifestly was this evidenced in the case of Thorpe! What solemnity stole over him, quite contrary to his intentions! How that solemn feeling awed both him and his associates! What strange pathos did it give to his words! And to what a remarkable issue did it lead!

Christian parents, this thought may comfort you. Earnest pleadings have ascended from your hearts, time after time, for your offspring. Now, perhaps, they have grown to early manhood or womanhood, but they give no signs of grace at present. Indeed, they may be walking as contrary thereto as young Thorpe; but remember, the same Hand that so unexpectedly arrested him may arrest your dear son or daughter. And oh, the goodness of God, thus to snatch a vile sinner as a brand from the burning! What a mercy it was for him! And while it is recorded, “Seek, and ye shall find,” we also read, “I was found of them that sought Me not.”

Dear youthful readers—for I hope there are many such who do read the SOWER—if God was so merciful to one who “asked not after Him,” what encouragement there is for you who are really anxious about your souls! Hear the encouraging words of the Lord—“I love them that love Me, and those that seek Me early shall find Me;” “For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.”