A49258:91
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.
Thirdly, It cannot merit, because it is not perfect▪ nay, you are so far from meriting by your obedience, that you merit nothing but hell for the defects in your obedience, and the imperfections that are remaining in your best services.
4. Take this Caution,1 That though all the diligence you can put forth cannot be meritorious for God to save you; yet take this for truth, that the more you abound in spiritual industry in the matters of the Soul, the more likely you are to receive fuller incomes of joy, and fuller increase of grace in your souls: To him that hath shall be given, and it shall be given him much more abundantly: That is, to him that hath improved his graces, and used them well, they shall be given more abundantly: Thou hast been faithful in a little, thou shalt be ruler over much. The more you act, and the more diligent you are in the matters of your soul, the more likely you are to be eminent and increasing in grace above others. It is a note that an Author hath upon the Apostle Paul. Paul was the most eminent of all the Apostles; no Apostle like Paul, none outstripped him. Now Divines ask the reason, why Paul should be more eminent then the rest of the Apostles, who saw Christ in the flesh; whereas Paul saw him only in a vision, and no where else; yet Paul was more eminent then any other Apostle? and they give this reason: Paul was in labours more abundant; Paul was more industrious, putting out his gifts and graces, and God did bless that industry with a fuller ⟨p. 18⟩increase of the graces of Gods spirit then others had: So that, though God gives us not heaven for our growth in grace; yet ordinarily God entails a greater measure and increase of gifts upon the well using of them while we are in this world: Open your mouths wide, and God will fill them. The more wide we are in our desires and expectations, the more we shall be filled.
4. Take this Caution,