A88594:79
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. 5 5. Because wicked men put forth a great deal of diligence to damn their own souls, and you your selves have done so in the days of your unregeneracy. What pains will a Drunkard take to sit all day and all night at his pots? What pains will a Robber take to endure the darkness of the night. the coldness of weather, 1the danger of being taken, and all to break open a house to get a little gain? What diligence will an Adulterer use to watch for an Harlot in the twilight, in the evening tide? Why? ⟨p. 12⟩Shall wicked men (in the phrase of Habakkuk) weary themselves in vanities, tire out themselves to damn their own souls; and wilt thou do nothing to save thy soul? It's said of wicked men, Micah 7.3. They do evil with both hands greedily: A man may sin with one hand enough to damn him; yet they were so eager they would sin with both. Shall wicked men put forth both hands to sin, and wilt not thou put a finger to holiness, put a hand to the ways of God? you have a phrase, Jer. 23.10. Their whole course is evil, and therefore it is not right: A strange expression! God doth there complain of men, that they were not only wicked, but they were forcibly evil; they were strong in their wickedness, and laborious in their profaneness: And shall wicked men force God to damn them, as it were; shall wicked men be violent in a way of sin, and wilt not thou with one hand, labour to save thy soul? An old Father seeing a Gentlewoman spend three hours in beholding her face in a Glass, to trim her self, when she came down he fell a weeping; being asked why he wept? answered, because this woman hath spent more hours in a morning to damn her self, then ever I spent in Religious duties to save my soul. Alas! many men are more diligent to damn themselves, then many of us are to save our souls; which should strongly engage you to put forth diligence in all matters of soul concernment.
Reas. 5 5. Because wicked men put forth a great deal of diligence to damn their own souls, and you your selves have done so in the dayes of your unregeneracy. What pains will a Drunkard take to sit all day and all night at his pots? What pains will a Robber take to indure the darkness of the night. the coldness of weather,