A commentary or, exposition upon the divine second epistle general, writtenA commentary or, exposition vpon the diuine second epistle generall, written

I could also add another sign, how we may be sure that we are effectually called; that is, our dislike to this world. He that despiseth not earth, was never yet inwardly called to heaven. If the love of this world cannot stand with the comfortable assurance of our heavenly calling, let us divert our desires, and elevate our affections from things on earth, to things above, Coloss. 3.2. But if none be called to heaven, but such as be sanctified and separate from earth, I fear that the greater number takes the broader way: It is your method in the City; you say, there be more of the Company, than be of the Livery: but for heaven, and the profession of the Gospel; there be more of the Livery, than be of the Company; Many are called, but few are chosen.

I could also adde another signe, how we may be sure that we are effectually called; that is, our dislike to this world. He that despiseth not earth, was never yet inwardly called to heaven. If the love of this world cannot stand with the comfortable assurance of our heavenly calling, let us divert our desires, and elevate our affections from things on earth, to things above, Coloss. 3.2. But if none be called to heaven, but such as be sanctified and separate from earth, I feare that the greater number takes the broader way: It is your method in the Citie; you say, there be more of the Company, than be of the Livery: but for heaven, and the profession of the Gospell; there be more of the Livery, than be of the Company; Many are called, but few are chosen.

To conclude, let me now characterize to you the man, in whose heart there is this assurance. He stands like an impregnable Fort, upon whom misery and malice would spend all their shot: much they do, to their own shame, to his glory. Sin like a flattering neighbour, hath often knocked at his door, and would have come in, but found cold welcome: and if it was importunate, was sent away not without repulse and blows. Perhaps it lurks about his out-houses, and spite of him will be his Tenant, but shall never be his Land-lord. He hath some faults, but God will not see them. He meets at every turn with his railing and accusing adversary, Satan: but he stops his throat with a pardon sealed in the blood of Jesus Christ. He is never out of war, never without victory. Those roaring fiends set upon him proudly, and he beats them down triumphantly. The shield he always bears with him, was never pierced, Faith. He hath been often tripped, once or twice foiled, was never vanquished. His hand hath been scratched, his heart is whole. Tyranny bends on him a stern brow, but could never dash him out of countenance. Is he threatened the Surgery of the sword? he sees Isaiah under the Saw, John in Patmos cutting in pieces. Is he threatened drowning? he sees Jonah diving into that inextricable gulf. Burning? he sees those three Servants in their fiery walk, and the Son of GOD amongst them. Is he threatened devouring? he sees Daniel in that sealed den of terrible Lions. Stoning? he sees that Protomartyr of the Gospel sleeping in peace under so many grave-stones. Heading? he sees the Baptists neck bleeding in Herodia's platter. He is sure, that the God which gave them such strength, is not weaker in him: what could they suffer without God? what cannot he suffer with God? If he must endure their pain, he looks for their faith, their patience, their strength, their glory. The terrors of death amaze him not; for first he knows whom he hath trusted, and then whither death shall lead him. He is not more sure to die, than to live again: and out-faceth death with his assured resurrection. Like Enoch, he walks every day with God, and confers familiarly with his Maker. When he goes in humbly to converse with him by meditation and prayer, he puts off his own clothes, and takes a rich suit out of the wardrobe of his Redeemer: