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| Chapter XIV. That the help of God is given to those who labour.
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Chapter XIV.
That the help of God is given to those who
labour.1052
| 1052 The language in this
chapter is perilously near semi-Pelagianism, on which compare the
Introduction p. 190, sq. |
Nor do I say this to cast
a slight on human efforts, or in the endeavour to discourage any one
from his purpose of working and doing his best. But clearly and most
earnestly do I lay down, not giving my own opinion, but that of the
elders, that perfection cannot possibly be gained without these, but
that by these only without the grace of God nobody can ever attain it.
For when we say that human efforts cannot of themselves secure it
without the aid of God, we thus insist that God’s mercy and grace
are bestowed only upon those who labour and exert themselves, and are
granted (to use the Apostle’s expression) to them that
“will” and “run,” according to that which is
sung in the person of God in the eighty-eighth Psalm: “I have
laid help upon one that is mighty, and have exalted one chosen out of
my people.”1053
For we say, in
accordance with
our
Saviour’s words, that it is given to them that ask, and opened to
them that knock and found by them that seek;1054
but that the asking, the seeking, and the knocking on our part are
insufficient unless the mercy of God gives what we ask, and opens that
at which we knock, and enables us to find that which we seek. For He is
at hand to bestow all these things, if only the opportunity is given to
Him by our good will. For He desires and looks for our perfection and
salvation far more than we do ourselves. And the blessed David knew so
well that by his own efforts he could not secure the increase of his
work and labour, that he entreated with renewed prayers that he might
obtain the “direction” of his work from the Lord, saying,
“Direct thou the work of our hands over us; yea, the work of our
hands do thou direct;”1055
and again:
“Confirm, O God, what thou hast wrought in us.”1056
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