The Christians great interest

For the more distinct handling of this preparatory work, we shall shortly hint the most ordinary ways, by which the Lord leadeth people into the Covenant savingly, and draweth them unto Christ.

First, There are some called from the Womb, as John the Baptist was, Luke 1. 41, 44, or, in their very young years, before they can be deeply engaged actively in Satan's ways, 2 Tim. 3. 15. It cannot be supposed that those have such a preparatory work as we are to speak of. And because some persons may pretend to this way of effectual calling▪ we offer these marks of ⟨p. 14⟩it, whereby those who have been so called may be confirmed, (1.) Such use from their Childhood to be kept free of ordinary pollutions, wherewith Children usually are defiled; as swearing, lying, mocking of Religion, and religious persons, &c. Those whom God calleth effectually, he sanctifieth them from the time of that effectual calling: Sin cannot have dominion over them as over others, because they are under grace, Rom. 6. 14. (2.) Religion is, as it were, natural to them; I mean, they need not be much pressed to religious duties, even when they are but children; They willingly run that way, because there is an inward principle, of love constraining them, 2 Cor. 5. 14. so as they yield themselves servants of righteousness, without outward constraint, Rom. 6. 16. (3.) Although such know not when they were first acquainted with God, yet afterwards they have such exercises of spirit befalling, as the Saints in Scripture (of whose first conversion we hear not) do speak of. They are shut out from God upon some occasion now and then, and are admitted to come nearer again, (to their apprehension.) Their heart is also further broken up by the ordinances, as is said of Lydia,