A88594:76
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.
Reas. 2 2. Because many have miscarried to all eternity, for the want of putting forth diligence in the matters of salvation, Heb. 12.15. Looking diligently, lest any fall from the grace of God. Many men did fail of Gods grace, because they did not look after grace diligently. Why alas, Beloved, how many lose grace, and lose Christ for want of diligence? The five foolish Virgins lost Christ for want of diligence, Mat. 25. Luke 13.24. Many have lost heaven by using slight endeavours after heaven. Strive (saith Christ) to enter in at the strait gate, for many shall seek to enter in, and shall not be able: Their want of diligence, because they only sought, and did not strive in the ways of heaven, therefore they fell short, and missed it.
Reas. 2 2. Because many have miscarried to all eternitie, for the want of putting forth diligence in the matters of salvation, Heb. 12.15. Looking diligently, lest any fall from the grace of God. Many men did fail of Gods grace, because they did not look after grace diligently. Why alas, Beloved, how many lose grace, and lose Christ for want of diligence? The five foolish Virgins lost Christ for want of diligence, Mat. 25. Luke 13.24. Many have lost heaven by using slight endeavors after heaven. Strive (saith Christ) to enter in at the strait gate, for many shall seek to enter in, and shall not be able: Their want of diligence, because they only sought, and did not strive in the wayes of heaven, therefore they fell short, and miss'd it.
Reas. 3 3. Because all you can do for your souls, is little enough for to save them. I may make use of that expression, 2 Pet. 4.17. The righteous shall scarcely be saved: (though I know it may have reference in some sense to outward salvation only) yet I may make use of it to this purpose, that if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and sinner appear? All the diligence and endeavours you can put forth, is little enough, and too too little to save your souls: