A Divine Cordial

How far are they from this effectual call, who never had any change! They are the same they were forty, fifty years ago, as proud and ca•nal as ever; they have seen many changes in the times, but they have had no change in their hearts. Let not men think to go to Heaven per saltum, to leap out of the Harlots lap into Abraham's bosom; either they must have a gracious change while they live, or a cursed change when they dye.

How far are they from this effectual call, who never had any change! They are the same they were forty, fifty years ago, as proud and ca•nal as ever; they have seen many changes in the times, but they have had no change in their hearts. Let not men think to go to Heaven per saltum, to leap out of the Harlots lap into Abrahams bosome; either they must have a gracious change while they live, or a cursed change when they dye.

3. He who is called of God, esteems of §2this call as the highest blessing. A King whom God hath called by his grace esteems it more that he is called to be a Saint, then that he is called to be a King; he values his High-Calling above his High-Birth. Theodosius thought it a greater honour to be a Christian, than to be an Emperor. A carnal person can no more value spiritual blessings, than a child can value a knot of Diamonds; he prefers his worldly grandeur, his ease, plenty, titles of honour, before conversion; he had rather be called Duke than Saint; a sign he is a stranger to effectual calling. He who is enlightened by the Spirit▪ counts holiness his best Heraldry, and ⟨p. 166⟩looks upon his effectual calling as his preferment; when he hath taken this degree, he is a Candidate for Heaven.

3. He who is called of God, esteems of