A88594:421
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.
Sixthly, Assurance should be managed with endeared love to Jesus Christ. Assured Christians should be Christ-loving Christians. When Christ told Mary Magdalen, Thy sins which are many are forgiven thee, When she had assurance, her sins were pardoned, what saith Christ? Much was forgiven her, therefore she loved much: because she was sensible much was forgiven her, she would show forth much love to Jesus Christ. And the reason is, because it was Christs love brought those Christians into a State of salvation, and his love likewise that gave them assurance of their own call, and this should endear their hearts to Jesus Christ.
Sixtly, Assurance should be managed with indeared love to Jesus Christ. Assured Christians should be Christloving Christians. When Christ told Mary Magdalen, Thy sins which are many are forgiven thee, When she had assurance, her sinnes were pardoned, what saith Christ? Much was forgiven her, therefore she loved much: because she was sensible much was forgiven her, she would shew forth much love to Jesus Christ. And the reason is, because it was Christs love brought those Christians into a State of salvation, and his love likewise that gave them assurance of their own call, and this should indear their hearts to Jesus Christ.
Seventhly, Assurance should be managed with abundance of compassion towards those Christians that are tempted & troubled by Satan. Assured Christians should be compassionate Christians. If God have given you assurance of his love, you should carry compassionate breasts towards your Brethren, who remain behind in great distress and perplexity, that lie tossed and turmoiled by Temptations. When a ship is brought safe to the haven, if they have any bowels, when they see another ship in the main Ocean struggling for life in the midst of the waters, they will pity them: You that have got assurance, you are come to a safe harbour; but your tempted Brethren, they are tossed upon the waves and tempests of temptation, you should now have compassionate hearts towards tempted Christians. 2 Cor. 1.4. The Apostle tells us, The Lord hath comforted us in all our tribulation, that we might comfort others with the same comforts, wherewith we our selves are comforted of