A88594:226
A treatise of effectual calling and election. In XVI. sermons, on 2 Pet. 1.10…
A treatise of effectual calling and election. In XVI. sermons, on 2 Pet. 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 Lawrence Jury, London.
London: printed for John Rothwell, 1653
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.
Now the answering of this case thus briefly, will admit of a double Use.
Use 1 First, an Use of Condemnation to wicked men, that have often resisted the significative call of Jesus Christ. When Christ hath signified, this is my will, I would have you leave these courses, and I would have you walk in these ways; Christ signifies his will in the Ministry of the Gospel; yet let Christ signify what he will, you will do what you list; this is for thy great condemnation.
Ʋse 1 First, an Use of Condemnation to wicked men, that have often resisted the significative call of Jesus Christ. When Christ hath signified, this is my will, I would have you leave these courses, and I would have you walk in these wayes; Christ signifies his will in the Ministry of the Gospel; yet let Christ signifie what he will, you will do what you list; this is for thy great condemnation.
Use 2 Secondly, The answering of this Query, is for consolation to elect men, who are not yet converted. Dost thou belong to Gods Election? Why, before thou art converted, thou hast a stubborn will, thou hast a gainsaying heart, thou hast a stout spirit against God, thy heart is as hard as an Adamant, as hard as the Rocks; yet here is thy comfort, all the gain-sayings of thy spirit, and all the stubbornness of thy will, it shall not be able to keep off converting mercy, and shall not be able to keep off calling grace from thee: When God hath an intent to call thee, he will come with Power by his call, and make thee do what he commands thee, and make thee embrace what he calls thee to. Did not Jesus Christ use an operative call, as well as a significative call, no man in the world would ever be called. And this is the reason, that in hearing the same Sermon, and following the same Preacher, one man is converted, the other is not. The reason is this, The call of the Ministry is only a significative call of a Reprobate; only signifying what God would have him do: But there is no power conveyed with the invitation, to make the man able to do what Christ calls him to; and therefore one is called, the other