Heaven taken

Take heed of puzzling your thoughts ¹about Election. A Christian may think thus, what should I take pains? perhaps I am not elected, and then all my violence is to no purpose. Thus, many are taken off from the use of means, and the business of Religion is at a stand. Whereas no man can justly say, he is not elected. It is true, some of God's children have said so in temptation: But as Peter in a transfiguration said he knew not what; so these in a temptation. But no man can say on just grounds, he is not elected, unless he can prove that he hath sinned the •n against the Holy Ghost. For any one to asse•t non•ection is a sin; for that which keeps him in •in, must needs be sinful: But this opinion keeps him in sin; it discourageth him from the use of means, and cuts the sinews of all endeavours; do not therefore perplex your thoughts about Election; this Book is sealed, and ⟨p. 172⟩no Angel can unclasp it. The Rule Christians are to go by, is, God's Revealed Will, not his Secret. God's revealed will is, that we should pray and repent; by this we mak• our calling sure; and by making our calling sure, we make our election sure. If I see the beds of spices grow and flourish, I know the Sun hath been there. And if I find the fruits of obedience in my heart, I may conclude Gods electing love hath shined upon me, 2. Thes. 2. 12. God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification.

Take heed of puzling your thoughts ¹about Election. A Christian may think thus, what should I take pains? perhaps I am not elected, and then all my violence is to no purpose. Thus, many are taken off from the use of means, and the business of Religion is at a stand. Whereas no man can justly say, he is not elected. It is true, some of God's children have said so in temptation: But as Peter in a transfiguration said he knew not what; so these in a temptation. But no man can say on just grounds, he is not elected, nless he can prove that he hath sinned the n against the Holy Ghost. For any one to asset nonection is a sin; for that which keeps him in in, must needs be sinful: But this opinion keeps him in sin; it discourageth him from the use of means, and cuts the sinews of all endeavours; do not therefore perplex your thoughts about Election; this Book is sealed, and