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

2. Though impatience and quarrelling for want of Christ, the Love of God, and Grace, be not good, yet if we examine such a person well, we may find a work of Faith even by this impatience; for doth not this impatience arise, because the will hath chosen, and love hath set it self upon a desirable object, which because the Soul cannot obtain as it desires, it grows impatient, being crossed in that which it chooseth and loveth? Thus Christ, complete Christ, the Love of God, Grace, Holiness, are the desirable Objects of this Soul; and because this Soul cannot enjoy them as it would, therefore it quarrels, and grows impatient, because it is crossed in its choice and love: But is not there a work of Faith, where the will hath thus chosen Christ, &c? Yea, it seems, the choice of the will and love are acted to a good degree, for we do not grow ⟨p. 128⟩impatient for being crossed in our object, but when the will and affections run out much after the object: So that though here be an infirmity, yet it is such an one, as we may gather Grace from it. ¹I remember Mr. Fenner, speaking of Zeal, saith, it is the impatient part of the Affections; and speaking against luke-warmness under that Head, saith he, Thou mayest pray to God for Grace, to heal thee of thy deadness, but though he do not heal thee thou canst bear it; but if thy affections were so far hereto, as to be zealous, they would be impatient, thou couldest never endure it. There is a difference between this and what Mr. Shepherd hath taught us. Thus sure it will be for any part of redemption, which the Soul is set upon with zeal to experience; impatience will be apt to move, if the will be long crossed. How often have we Parents born with our Children in sickness and pain, though they have been impatient and froward? Alas, the Child is sick, full of pain; And what is our sweet God? What is our patience to his? but especially when this impatience is, because the Soul cannot enjoy his Christ, Love, Image and Holiness, to walk with him?

2. Though impatience and quarrelling for want of Christ, the Love of God, and Grace, be not good, yet if we examine such a person well, we may find a work of Faith even by this impatience; for doth not this impatience arise, because the will hath chosen, and love hath set it self upon a desirable object, which because the Soul cannot obtain as it desires, it grows impatient, being crossed in that which it chuseth and loveth? Thus Christ, compleat Christ, the Love of God, Grace, Holiness, are the desirable Objects of this Soul; and because this Soul cannot enjoy them as it would, therefore it quarrels, and grows impatient, because it is crossed in its choice and love: But is not there a work of Faith, where the will hath thus chosen Christ, &c? Yea, it seems, the choice of the will and love are acted to a good degree, for we do not grow