The present duty and endeavour of the saints. Opened in a sermon at Pauls…

This may be cleared further in three Particulars.

First, because if we are once accepted with Christ, §1we are in his Books for ever. Creatures are full of changes; And are apt to vary their aspects every day. Now they smile upon us and anon they frown; now they applaud, anon they dislike; This day we may be accepted with them, and the next day reprobates. One day the Jews sing Hosanna to Christ, and will force him to a throne, shortly after they cry out Crucify him, and nail him to a Cross. In the same City ⟨p. 22⟩Paul with Barnabas (being called Gods in the likeness of men) had almost bin Sacrificed to, and Paul being supposed unworthy to live amongst men, was really stoned, almost to death. The affections of men alter as much as their condition. Only God never alters his opinion of any man; No Ziba shall ever be able to accuse us out of the favour of the King of heaven. God never rejects where or whom he hath accepted. He never changes his correspondence. Once a friend and always a friend. Yea he is pleased with his, while he manifests a fatherly displeasure against them.

First, because if we are once accepted with Christ, §1we are in his Bookes for ever. Creatures are full of changes; And are apt to vary their aspects every day. Now they smile upon us and anon they frowne; now they applaud, anon they dislike; This day we may be accepted with them, and the next day reprobates. One day the Iewes sing Hosannah to Christ, and will force him to a throne, shortly after they cry out Crucifie him, and nayle him to a Crosse. In the same City ⟨p. 22⟩Paul with Barnabas (being called Gods in the likenesse of men) had almost bin Sacrificed to, and Paul being supposed unworthy to live amongst men, was really stoned, almost to death. The affections of men alter as much as their condition. Only God never alters his opinion of any man; No Ziba shall ever be able to accuse us out of the favour of the King of heaven. God never rejects where or whom he hath accepted. Hee never changes his correspondence. Once a friend and alwaies a friend. Yea he is pleased with his, while he manifests a fatherly displeasure against them.