A88594:372
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.
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. Heb. 10.22. Let us draw near to God with an upright heart, in fall assurance of faith. Now what shall a man do to come to God in full assurance? Mark the next words, Draw nigh to God in full assurance of faith, having your hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience. Here is the way, if you are sprinkled from an evil conscience, you may be bold to come to God in full assurance. Whereas, alas, if thy conscience tell thee, thou art a whoremaster, and thou art a deceiver, and a liar, and loose liver, thou canst not come with full assurance; thou mayest come in presumption indeed, but not with the assurance of faith: and therefore keep a conscience clear from harbouring guilt upon it, and that's the way to have the heart full of joy.
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 setled in your hearts.