CHAP. 41. Of the first Assault. (Book 41)
ASsaults are threefold.
The first is, about the Christian mans effectuall calling. The temptati∣on is, the enterprise of the diuell to blindfold mans minde, and to harden his heart, least the word of GOD should worke in him to saluation. Matth. 13.4. And as he sowed, some fell by the waie side, and the fowles came and deuoured thē vp. 5. And some fell vpon stonie ground, where they had not much earth, and anon they sprang vp, because they had no depth of earth. 6. And when the Sunne rose vp, they wer parched, and for lacke of rooting withered awaie. 7. And some fell among thornes, and the thornes sprung vp and choked them. 19. Whensoeuer a man heareth the word of the kingdome, and vnderstandeth it not, the euill one commeth, and cat∣cheth away that which was sowne in his heart: and this is he which hath receiued the seede by the way side.
A resistance in those that are called, is wrought by the spirit of God, that causeth men to lend their eares to heare, and doth ingraffe the word in their hearts, that the immortall seede of regeneration may spring in them. Psal. 40.6. Ioh. 6.44. Act. 16.14. Iam. 1. 21. Wherefore lay apart all filthinesse, and super∣fluitie of maliciousnesse, and receiue with meeknes the word that is graffed in you,