A30243:2910
Spiritual refining
Spiritual refining: or A treatise of grace and assurance Wherein are handled, the doctrine of assurance. The use of signs in self-examination. How true graces may be distinguished from counterfeit. Several true signs of grace, and many false ones. The nature of grace under divers Scripture notions or titles, as regeneration, the new-creature, the heart of flesh, vocation, sanctification, &c. Many chief questions (occasionally) controverted between the orthodox and the Arminians. As also many cases of conscience. Tending to comfort and confirm saints. Undeceive and convert sinners. Being CXX sermons preached and now published by Anthony Burgess sometime fellow of Emanuel College in Cambridge, and now pastor of the church of Sutton-Coldfield in Warwickshire.Spiritual refining: or A treatise of grace and assurance Wherein are handled, the doctrine of assurance. The use of signs in self-examination. How true graces may be distinguished from counterfeit. Several true signs of grace, and many false ones. The nature of grace under divers Scripture notions or titles, as regeneration, the new-creature, the heart of flesh, vocation, sanctification, &c. Many chief questions (occasionally) controverted between the orthodox and the Arminians. As also many cases of conscience. Tending to comfort and confirm saints. Undeceive and convert sinners. Being CXX sermons preached and now published by Anthony Burgess sometime fellow of Emanuel Colledge in Cambridge, and now pastor of the church of Sutton-Coldfield in Warwickshire.
London: printed by A. Miller for Thomas Underhill, 1652
Title page typeset from the transcription.
A TREATISE OF GRACE and ASSURANCE; Being CXX. SERMONS. › Section 12 › Sermon 116
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
SERMON CXVI.
The Nature, Possibility, Duty and Means of the Assurance of ones Effectual Calling.
2 PET. […]. 10. Wherefore the rather (Brethren) give diligence to make your Calling and Election sure.
2 PET. 〈…〉. 10. Wherefore the rather (Brethren) give diligence to make your Calling and Election sure.
The Apostle at the fifth verse, mentioneth a chain of graces, which every Christian must keep linked together: They are like so many flowers to make up a Garland that every believer is to wear; and to this purpose he suggests divers arguments. The first is, that then they will not be barren in the knowledge of Christ: Christianity without these graces is like the figtre• without fruit, it deserveth a perpetual curse from Christ. Look not to leaves or blossoms, but to fruit. Secondly, He that hath the title of a Believer, but wants these graces, he is blind, and cannot see afar off. [Greek or Hebrew], some derive it from [Greek or Hebrew] Molls, or earth-mice, that can see nothing, though in the open light: Others from shutting the eye, and so purblind men are said [Greek or Hebrew], who see things that are near, but not afar off. Though some say [Greek or Hebrew] is not lusciosus, but [Greek or Hebrew]. Thus wicked men have knowledge about the objects that are present to sense, but the matters of faith, which are more remote, they cannot discern. Now here may seem a contradiction by the Apostle, He is blind and cannot see afar off: For if he be blind he cannot see, neither near or afar off. Some therefore make these later words a correction to the former, He is blind, at least he cannot see things that are afar; if he be not blind, he hath a dim sight. But without any straying, we may thus interpret the Apostle, He is blind, viz. absolutely in respect of heavenly things, and although he can see those objects that are obvious to sense, viz. all earthly things, yet he hath no perceiving about heavenly things. And indeed its very sad to consider how many are eagle-eyed in the matters of the world, and very blind moles in heavenly things. The third argument is from the ingratitude such men are guilty of: They have forgotten they were purged from their old sins; when they undertook the profession of faith in Christ, and were baptized, there was Sacramentally, at least, a cleansing from their former ways of wickedness. Now it would be high ingratitude for any not to preserve themselves from such defilements still. Lastly, Here is another argument for abounding in all grace, which is laid down by way of exhortation: There cannot be any assurance had of our calling or elect on, unless we are fruitful in these graces.