How is faith wrought?
By the blessed Spirit; who is called the "Spirit of
grace," because he is the spring of all grace (Zech 12:10). Faith is the
chief work which the Spirit of God works in a man's heart. In making the
world God did but speak a word—but in working faith he puts forth his
arm (Luke 1:51). The Spirit's working faith is called, "The exceeding
greatness of God's power" (Eph 1:19). What a power was put forth in raising
Christ from the grave when such a tombstone lay upon him as the sins of all
the world—yet he was raised up by the Spirit. The same power is put forth by
the Spirit of God, in working faith. The Spirit irradiates the mind, and
subdues the will. The will is like a garrison, which holds out against God:
the Spirit with sweet violence conquers, or rather changes it; making the
sinner willing to have Christ upon any terms; to be ruled by him as well as
saved by him.
