A49258:475
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.
Secondly, Another cause you are to search; If it be not the commission of some great transgression, yet it may be the omission of necessary and weighty duty, and the Lord may bring you upon the stage of discomfort for omission as well as commission. If a man do let but a wound go undressed, he may as well die, as if you knock him with a Beetle upon the head: Beloved, If you let your wounds be undressed, and let your discomforts be unlooked after, and let all run at sixes ⟨p. 153⟩and sevens; if you interrupt in your duties, it is just with God to interrupt you in your comforts. If you keep not your watch, 'tis no wonder if you are surprised. There are many Christians that grow careless in keeping communion with God, that love seldom reading, and seldom praying, and seldom examining their own hearts; (alas) men casting away their duties, it makes God in judgement make stoppage in a way of comfort.
Secondly, Another cause you are to search; If it be not the commission of some great transgression, yet it may be the omission of necessary and weighty duty, and the Lord may bring you upon the stage of discomfort for omission as well as commission. If a man do let but a wound go undressed, he may as well die, as if you knock him with a Beetle upon the head: Beloved, If you let your wounds be undressed, and let your discomforts be unlooked after, and let all run at sixes ⟨p. 153⟩and sevens; if you interrupt in your duties, it is just with God to interrupt you in your comforts. If you keep not your watch, 'tis no wonder if you are surprized. There are many Christians that grow carelesse in keeping communion with God, that love seldome reading, and seldome praying, and seldome examining their own hearts; (alas) men casting away their duties, it makes God in judgement make stoppage in a way of comfort.
Fifthly, In your searching work examine your selves what you would do in case God should restore to you your former evidences; could you bring your hearts to this temper, that you would think no pain; too much to take, no cost too much to give, nothing should be irksome to you that God would have you perform, in case he would give you your wonted comforts? If you find this temper of spirit in you, this is a very ready way to bring on your comforts, and restore the joys of your salvation to you.