A49258:633
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.
First, the devil tempts you, that sure you are not elected, because your lives were so exceedingly profane, and you were such abominable ill livers, before you took upon you the profession ⟨p. 200⟩of Jesus Christ, this the devil lays before many a poor soul to stumble at.
First, the devil tempts you, that sure you are not elected, because your lives were so exceedingly profane, and you were such abominable ill livers, before you took upon you the profession ⟨p. 200⟩of Jesus Christ, this the devil laies before many a poor soul to stumble at.
To satisfy you in this therefore, I shall lay down four particulars by way of answer.
To satisfie you in this therefore, I shall lay down four particulars by way of answer.
First, Many of the servants of God before their calling, have been very lewd, wicked, notorious, profane livers, and yet have been within the compass of Gods election to life and glory. Cast your eyes upon Paul, and there you shall find what he was before his call. He tells you himself, I was a blasphemer, (a horrible sin) I was a persecutor, I was injurious to Gods Church. I haled men to prison for professing the name of Jesus. (These are great sins) Nay further, saith he, I was exceeding mad against the Church of God. A man enraged with malice against the people of God. Now what could be more vile then these? And yet you will find this man, a chosen vessel of mercy. Nay, you shall find, God to strengthen the confidence of men upon their election, puts a scandalous liver and election together, to make men see, that a scandalous life before conversion, is no prejudice to a mans election.