A88594:460
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, Put upon the search, how you got your assurance. It may be it was such an assurance as you have had ever since you were borne from your mothers womb: that you got without care, and without pain; and if so, this is presumption, not assurance; and if you have lost this, it is well. It is better to be in a state of discouragement, then in a state of presumption.
Secondly, Examine how you grounded your assurance. It may be you bottomed it but upon self, not upon Christ. It may be, you bottomed it but upon the fantastical delusions of your own hearts, and not upon the grounded evidence of Gods Word; if so, that your assurance have had an ill bottom, it is no wonder if God turn it upside-down. If it be not rightly grounded, it will never long be continued. Examine therefore upon what grounds you have bottomed your assurance, and if you find the foundation of your comforts to be ill laid, you must pluck up all again.
Secondly, Examine how you grounded your assurance. It may be you bottomed it but upon selfe, not upon Christ. It may be, you bottomed it but upon the fantastical delusions of your own hearts, and not upon the grounded evidence of Gods Word; if so, that your assurance have had an ill bottome, it is no wonder if God turne it upside-down. If it bee not rightly grounded, it will never long bee continued. Examine therefore upon what grounds you have bottomed your assurance, and if you finde the foundation of your comforts to be ill laid, you must pluck up all again.
Thirdly, Search how you managed your assurance. It may be you managed your assurance with pride, not humility; it may be with unwatchfulness, and carelessness of spirit, and did not take notice of those temptations and suggestions that might impair your comforts; and if so, it is no wonder if the devil sows tares amongst your wheat; it is no wonder if the devil have stolen away your comforts, if you have laid down your watch.