A practical discourse concerning vows with a special reference to baptism and the Lord's Supper / by Edmund Calamy.

The Third Cas•…•….

We, say some, are so sensible of our Duty, that we continue vowing time after time, at the Lora's Table; but still to our sor∣row, we find we break our Vows; nay, we know not how to keep them; we are there∣fore

much disheartened: To forbear Re∣newing our Vows we are afraid; and yet keep them we find we cann't: And between the one and the other we are in great Per∣plexity. What's to be done in this great strait?

I Answer hereto, I can only put this Question, close to the Consciences of the Complainants, Whether they are known wilful Sins, or common Infirmities, that are the Root of their Trouble? If they find themselves chargeable with the for∣mer, their only way to Comfort, Peace, or Safety, is to avoid them: They must take great Care, least by living in the neglect of the Holy Communion, they give the Devil Advantage against them; and if they come to it at its stated Re∣turns, they must take heed least by a wil∣ful breaking of the Bonds they renew there, they pull down a Curse on them∣selves, instead of a Blessing. But if they are common Infirmities that disturb them, I would suggest these following things to their Consideration.

1. TO have an humble sense of our own Insufficiency and Weakness, kept upon our Spirits, is a great Advantage. It will preserve us from that Self-confi∣dence and Security which betrays to ma∣ny a Temptation; and 'twill put us up∣on seeking earnestly for strength from

Heaven, of which it discovers to us so great need: And therefore 'tis a great Mercy, and ought not to be esteem'd at all a Burthen or Grievance.

2. TO be enabled to persist in our Duty, notwithstanding Discouragements, is also a great Mercy. It argues a firm bent of Heart for God, and a fixed Reso∣lution of Adherence to him, whatever befalls us: which is very pleasing to God, and should also be very comfortable to us; and therefore we should be thank∣ful for it.

3. WE should take heed of Imagining that Unavoidable Infirmities, Common Inadvertencies, or any such Slips as are consistent with Sincerity, cast us out of the Divine Favour. This were to enter∣tain unbecoming Thoughts of God, to disparage Christs Mediation, to mi∣stake the the tenour of the Gospel, and gratifie our grand Enemy the Devil.

4. WHILE we keep on in the Course of our Duty, in an humble Dependance on Christ, we may comfortably hope our strength may encrease; and proportion∣ably as that decreases, shall we find the difficulty of that Holiness of Life we vow to him at his Table, abate and wear off.

5. OUR frequent Slips and Falls, should cause us to redouble our Watchfulness;

and to keep the stricter Guard on our selves; which would be, as 'twere, to fight against the Devil with his own Weapons.

6. and Lastly, TAKE this for thy com∣fort, If thou art but brought to such a frame as this; to be truly grieved that Sin and Satan should have so much Inte∣rest in thee; and do'st heartily desire that God would cast them forth; and take possession of thee for himself, thou art in a good way to a Deliverance. If God sees thee labouring under the Burden of thy Corruptions, which after all thy Vows, and thy utmost care against them, do still too often prevail over thee; if he sees thee tugging with thy backward Heart, to bring it to him, he will soon afford thee help. Do but hold on, and persevere, and thou wilt find, according to Philip. II. 12. that in time God will work in thee to do, as well as to will, of his own good pleasure.