The real Christian, or, A treatise of effectual calling wherein the work of God…

When the heart is set upon an object, upon which it feeds with delight (as we do upon our lusts and the creature) if you would take it off, give me a reason, saith the will; and a reason must be given, and such a reason as the will accepts. God works rationally upon the rational Creature, suitable to its principles: if then you can make the soul see the object it feeds upon is really evil, and at best but vain, and can show it a better, so as the heart is convinced of it, then you may take it off. This doth the Spirit in the work of effectual Calling, as I shall open hereafter.

When the heart is set upon an object, upon which it feeds with delight (as we do upon our lusts and the creature) if you would take it off, give me a reason, saith the will; and a reason must be given, and such a reason as the will accepts. God works rationally upon the rational Creature, sutable to its principles: if then you can make the soul see the object it feeds upon is really evil, and at best but vain, and can shew it a better, so as the heart is convinced of it, then you may take it off. This doth the Spirit in the work of effectual Calling, as I shall open hereafter.

Third Position: The ways of God in converting, or drawing the soul to Christ, are very secret, and in preparatory works very various.

Third Position: The wayes of God in converting, or drawing the soul to Christ, are very secret, and in preparatory works very varions.

What Bildad said to Job, Job 8.8, 10. Enquire I pray thee of the former age, &c. So may I say, call to the Saints of old, ask the children of Abraham in all ages; I do not say, enquire of painted Hypocrites, but real Christians, will they not utter words out of their hearts (as Bildad said) which will confirm this Position? The ways of God are first secret; the union of the soul with Christ is set out by marriage,