A41331:569
The real Christian, or, A treatise of effectual calling wherein the work of God…
The real Christian, or, A treatise of effectual calling wherein the work of God is drawing the soul to Christ ... : to which is added, in the epistle to the reader, a few words concerning Socinianism ... / by Giles Firmin ...The real Christian, or, A treatise of effectual calling wherein the work of God is drawing the soul to Christ ... : to which is added, in the epistle to the reader, a few words concerning Socinianisme ... / by Giles Firmin ...
London: printed for Dorman Newman, 1670
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.
Object. Ministers are to press all men prepared to believe in Christ.
Object. Ministers are to press all men prepared to belive in Christ.
Answ. First, But what if not prepared? Is it not therefore their duty? If it be not their duty, then I confess all men must not be pressed to believe in him; but then I hope unbelief in them is no sin, because faith is not their duty, because not prepared: So unbelief in Christ shall condemn only those who were prepared for Christ, but did not believe in him.
Answ. First, But what if not prepared? Is it not therefore their duty? If it be not their duty, then I confess all men must not be pressed to believe in him; but then I hope unbelies in them is no sin, because faith is not their duty, because not prepared: So unbelief in Christ shall condemn only those who were prepared for Christ, but did not believe in him.
Mr. Shepherd gives this as the fourth general Reason of mans ruin, 1false Faith. Of this I doubt not, false faith in Christ is the cause of the destruction of many Christians: but for those words of this reverend Author, We cannot rap off mens fingers from catching hold on Christ before they are fit for him, need a little examining; for some poor Christians will soon apply this to themselves: Catching hold of Christ, is meant faith; this is plain from the thing it self, and the Head he is upon. Some men should have their fingers rapped off from catching hold on Christ, but Ministers cannot do it: What is the reason their fingers should be rapped off? Not the error in their catching hold, but because they are not fit for Christ: then it seems they ought not to catch hold on Christ, it is not their duty; for if it be, then their fingers must not be rapped off, but guided and helped in laying hold. Secondly, Till they be fit: But what is that fitness? Is it not preparedness? And when prepared? Is it not when made willing to lay hold upon him, and take him as he is offered? because they will not else come to Christ for life,