"I confess it is beyond our power to awaken the heart, but ordinarily this way does good"

Thomas Hooker acknowledges the profound limits of human ability in matters of spiritual transformation. He admits that no individual possesses the inherent power to rouse or enliven another person’s inner being, the “heart” here suggesting the seat of genuine feeling, conviction, and spiritual awakening. This is a recognition of human limitation in the context of faith: no orator, preacher, or teacher, regardless of their passion or eloquence, can singlehandedly instill true spiritual life within another’s soul, as such awakening is ultimately believed to rest within the domain of divine influence.

Yet, Hooker does not counsel silence or inaction; he asserts that there is a method or approach that “ordinarily this way does good.” This phrase reflects both humility and hope. While the final result, true renewal or awakening, lies beyond anyone’s command, the standard practices of preaching, teaching, guidance, and exhortation are usually beneficial. The routines of worship, study, and communal encouragement collectively hold significant capacity to encourage openness and receptivity to spiritual change, even if they cannot guarantee it. They prepare the soil, so to speak, for the potential of inner transformation.

At the core, Hooker’s statement suggests a theological understanding wherein grace or authentic spiritual life is received rather than manufactured. However, it nevertheless dignifies human action: the ordinary means of grace such as prayer, scripture, and fellowship are vessels through which good is ordinarily accomplished, even if not always to the supernatural extent of “awakening the heart.” Action, therefore, remains essential. The discipline, patience, and faithfulness required of those who guide and teach are validated by their typical efficacy, but never idolized as omnipotent.

Hooker’s words invite humility regarding what can truly be accomplished through personal effort, and simultaneous encouragement to persist in practices that, while not infallible, genuinely benefit and prepare individuals for deeper experience and change.