A88594:445
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.
First, Improve the grace of humility. Esa. 57.15. the Lord doth promise there to revive the spirit of the humble. It is a particular promise to that grace, that God will revive you, and give you a new life if you have it. And reviving there is not meant of the first life of grace, but of a life of comfort. They had grace before, but God would give them a life of comfort, he will restore your consolation to you in case you are a humble people. Hence it is, James 4.6. The Lord gives grace to the humble. Yea, he gives more grace. The Lord gives more grace to the humble person then to any man in the world. Now the more grace you have, the more comfort you must needs have. Humility is a foundation of more grace, therefore needs must be a foundation of more comfort.
That building, whose foundation is laid lowest, is of all the most beautiful and comely Fabric above ground: So those Christians that lay a foundation low in humility, they are likely to rear up a most beautiful Building in way of comfort.
That building, whose foundation is laid lowest, is of all the most beautiful and comely Fabrick above ground: So those Christians that lay a foundation low in humility, they are likely to rear up a most beautiful Building in way of comfort.
Secondly, Improve the grace of faith in believing, and that is the way to increase comfort. 1 Peter 1.8. ⟨p. 169⟩Whom though you have not seen, yet believing, you rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory. Though they did never see Christ, yet believing in Christ, and improving their faith, they had not only an ordinary measure of comfort, but they had more comfort in their hearts, then they could utter with their Tongue; They rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory. So