A88594:659
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.
Thirdly, A third delusion, whereby men are deceived by the devil, to think they are elected, when they are not is this, If they cannot plead their education, and moral manner of living, or if they cannot plead their vocation, their last plea is, the mercy of God; they hope God is a merciful God, and God made them not all to damn them; they are Gods creatures, made by him, and God that made them, will save them; and hereupon they fasten their hopes, that they are in the number of Gods elect ones. This is a strong delusion, especially amongst ignorant people. And to this I shall answer in two particulars.
Thirdly, A third delusion, whereby men are deceived by the divell, to think they are elected, when they are not is this, If they cannot plead their education, and morall manner of living, or if they cannot plead their vocation, their last plea is, the mercy of God; they hope God is a mercifull God, and God made them not all to damne them; they are Gods creatures, made by him, and God that made them, will save them; and hereupon they fasten their hopes, that they are in the number of Gods elect ones. This is a strong delusion, especially amongst ignorant people. And to this I shall answer in two particulars.
First, when as men say, God is a merciful God, therefore they hope they are elected, I answer: It is true, God is a merciful God, yet God is as just as merciful; he is mercifully just, and justly merciful; his mercy cannot intrench ⟨p. 253⟩upon his justice, nor shall his justice intrench upon his mercy; one Attribute shall not clash with another; he is no more merciful, then he is just, nor is he more just then he is merciful.
First, when as men say, God is a mercifull God, therefore they hope they are elected, I answer: It is true, God is a mercifull God, yet God is as just as mercifull; he is mercifully just, and justly mercifull; his mercy cannot intrench ⟨p. 253⟩upon his justice, nor shall his justice intrench upon his mercy; one Attribute shall not clash with another; he is no more mercifull, then he is just, nor is he more just then he is mercifull.