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

Answ. His Answer stands right, no error in it: as for the Objection, it is that indeed which many Christians suspect themselves by, they fear they are not right, and question whether they may make use of such Arguments: some Christians cry it down very much, I have heard, as if it were not a principle or practise consistent with Christianity: therefore I will speak a few words to it, and but briefly. And thus I pass to some of those things which cause trouble in the conversation of a Christian constituted.

Here let us distinguish between a man, 1: Who is actually under these terrors and fears of Hell, or other judgments, from an awakened Conscience that lasheth ⟨p. 296⟩him sorely, under which fears the man is a mere Passive, they arise in him against his will, and are upon him against his will, shake them off as yet he cannot; and while he is under these, he dares not but perform duties, he dare not follow his lusts, or vain companions, being acted and moved from these fears he now lieth under, will he, nill he.

Here let us distinguish between a man, 1: Who is actually under these terrors and fears of Hell, or other judgments, from an awakened Conscience that lasheth ⟨p. 296⟩him sorely, under which fears the man is a meer Passive, they arise in him against his will, and are upon him against his will, shake them off as yet he cannot; and while he is under these, he dares not but perform duties, he dare not follow his lusts, or vain companious, being acted and moved from these fears he now lieth under, will he, nill he.

And Secondly, A man who is not actually under them, not a mere Passive, his conscience doth not terrify him as the other; but he as an Active or Agent, makes use of this Argument, Hell, judgments, and wrath of God to keep under that vile corrupt part which would be rebelling against God, and carrying on his Soul to sin; also to towze up his lazy heart to duty, and to press after Christ more, to get evidence of his interest in him: thus to be moved, and a man to endeavour to move and stir up himself to duty, to follow Christ, to keep down the rebellious risings of a corrupt principle within him, is well consistent with true Christianity, and not unbecoming him who hath tasted of the love of God. This is,