A49258:389
A treatise of effectual calling and election In XVI. sermons, on 2 Peter 1.10.…
A treatise of effectual calling and election In XVI. sermons, on 2 Peter 1.10. Wherein a Christian may discern, whether yet he be effectually called and elected. And what course he ought to take that he may attain the assurance thereof. Preached by that faithful servant of Christ, Mr. Christopher Love, late minister of Laurence Jury, London.A treatise of effectual calling and election In XVI. sermons, on 2 Peter 1.10. Wherein a Christian may discern, whether yet he be effectually called and elected. And what course he ought to take that he may attain the assurance thereof. Preached by that faithfull servant of Christ, Mr. Christopher Love, late minister of Laurence Jury, London.
London: printed for John Rothwell, 1655
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.
It is so when ye plough up, in the Prophets language, Jer. 4. the fallow ground of your hearts; when you break the clods of your hearts by humiliations, this makes way for the corn and grain, that precious grain of assurance to spring and grow up to a fuller measure; so that you are out of Gods way then to have strong assurance, that never have been humbled in the sight of sin. I say it's Gods ordinary way. I do not deny but God may bring you to heaven, though you have no legal workings and horrors upon you; yet God will never give you such strong assurance, and such ravishing comforts, as he gives them that are most broken in spirit. Look through the whole verge of Scripture, and you shall find that those that were most broken in heart, they were most strong in comfort. That house that hath the deepest foundation, is like to be the most beautiful Fabric and Building; whereas your tents and lesser cottages, a little rooting in the earth will serve their turn: It is likely God may make thee as a little cottage, though not deeply rooted; but thou wilt never be reared up a beautiful building, to become an amiable Christian in point of comfort and assurance, if God have not bottomed thee low in humiliation. It's a true rule in grace, They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. The deeper you are in sorrow, the higher you shall be lifted up in joy.
It is so when ye plow up, in the Prophets language, Jer. 4. the fallow ground of your hearts; when you break the clods of your hearts by humiliations, this makes way for the corn and grain, that precious grain of assurance to spring and grow up to a fuller measure; so that you are out of Gods way then to have strong assurance, that never have been humbled in the sight of sin. I say it's Gods ordinary way. I doe not deny but God may bring you to heaven, though you have no legal workings and horrors upon you; yet God will never give you such strong assurance, and such ravishing comforts, as he gives them that are most broken in spirit. Look through the whole verge of Scripture, and you shall finde that those that were most broken in heart, they were most strong in comfort. That house that hath the deepest foundation, is like to be the most beautiful Fabrick and Building; whereas your tents and lesser cottages, a little rooting in the earth will serve their turn: It is likely God may make thee as a little cottage, though not deeply rooted; but thou wilt never be reared up a beautifull building, to become an amiable Christian in point of comfort and assurance, if God have not bottomed thee low in humiliation. It's a true rule in grace, They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. The deeper you are in sorrow, the higher you shall be lifted up in joy.