A88594:371
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.
and while he was telling Christ this, there came another messenger after, and told him, Thy daughter is dead, trouble the man no farther: what saith Christ hearing this? Fear not, only believe. As if he should say, sense and reason would have told him it were a needless thing to beg of Christ for his daughter when she was dead; but saith Christ, Do not stoop to sense and reason, Fear not, only believe, and the work shall be done: So I say to you, Consult not with flesh and blood, but exalt arguments of faith against present feelings; and this is the way to get assurance of your comforts.
and while he was telling Christ this, there came another messenger after, and told him, Thy daughter is dead, trouble the man no farther: what saith Christ hearing this? Fear not, onely believe. As if he should say, sense and reason would have told him it were a needlesse thing to beg of Christ for his daughter when she was dead; but saith Christ, Do not stoop to sense and reason, Fear not, onely believe, and the work shall be done: So I say to you, Consult not with flesh and blood, but exalt arguments of faith against present feelings; and this is the way to get assurance of your comforts.
Secondly, Keep conscience clear, that no sin be harboured ⟨p. 135⟩there, and you are in the way to get your comforts full. God, saith David, Psal. 85.8. will speak peace to his people, but they must not return unto folly. As if he should say, though God doth speak peace, and assure you of your pardon and salvation; yet if you return to sin, God can tell how to break your peace, and turn his smiles into frowns and angry looks. Take heed of sin, and keep your conscience clear, and that's the way to have peace settled in your hearts. Job 11.14, 15. If iniquity be in thy hand, put it far away, and let not wickedness dwell in thy Tabernacle. What follows? and then shalt thou lift up thy face before God without spot, thou shalt be steadfast, and shalt not fear. A strange expression, That if you will keep sin far away, then you shall be steadfast before God, and not fear; that is, you shall not be exposed to those fears and doubts and anxieties which other men are exposed to.