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Give rather diligence to make your calling and election sure.
MAns life may not unfitly be compa∣red [ I] to a Candle. Cu•…•…iosity may well be resembled to the Thiefe in the Candle, which makes men to spend much pretious ti•…•…e in needlesse disputes, the conclusions whereof are
both uncertaine and unprofitable. The Schoole∣mens Bookes are stuffed with such questions, about the distances and dignities of Angels, as if men were to marshall them in Ranke and File, how that heavenly Hoste doe march in glory one before another. When men heare impro∣bable matters from farre Countries related un∣to them, it is their usuall Returne, It is better to beleeve them, then goe thither to confute them. But let us not credit many unlikely-hoods concer∣ning Angels, which the boldnesse of School∣men have obtruded upon us, but rather labour in Gods due time, to goe to heaven, there with our owne happy e•…•…perience to confute them.
Well it is said of Socrates, that he was the [ II] first of the Grecians, which humbled specula∣tive into morall Philosophy. How well would the paines of that Minister be imployed, who should endeavour to bring downe and ab•…•…te many superfluous contemplative Queries into practicall Divinity. It were liberty enough if the Sermons of all Preachers were bound to keepe Residence onely on such subjects, which all Christians are bound to beleeve, and pra∣ctice for their soules health; Amongst which the Doctrine in my Text, may justly challenge a principall part. When 〈◊〉〈◊〉 hea•…•…d but the mention of the name of Boaz, the Man, said * 1.1 shee, is neere unto us, and of our affinity; So no sooner doe you heare this Text read unto you, Give rather diligence to make your calling and election sure; but every well affected heart is
ready to claime blood and challenge right therein. Questions about Angels are neither kiffe nor kinne to my soule; but this a precept of that consequence, of that concernment, we all ought to share a part and interest in the speedy and reall practice thereof.
Some difference there is betwixt us, and the [ III] Romanists, in reading the Text who follow∣ing the vulgar Latine, adde per bona opera; make your calling and election sure by good workes. A clause altogether omitted in our English Translations, because in the Greeke nothing appeares answerable thereunto. Good reason therefore, that we should correct the transcript by the Originall, and purifie the streame to the clearenesse of the fountaine. God grant, that though on these just grounds we exclude good works, out of the Text, wee may admit, em∣brace, and practice them in our lives and con∣versations.
My Text may not unfitly bee compared to [ IIII] Ehuds dagger, short, but sharpe. And although now it be falne into a lame hand, (the unwor∣thynesse of the Preacher in this place) to ma∣nage it, yet inforced with the assistance of Gods arme, it may prove able to give the dead∣ly blow, to foure Eglo•…•… sinnes, tyrannizing in too many mens hearts.
Supine negligence is dispa•…•…ched in that word, [ 1] Give diligence. This grace of Assurance is unat∣tainabl•…•… by ease and idlenesse.
Busie medling in other mens matters is de∣stroyed [ 2] in the Particl•…•… Your E•…•…ch one ought prin∣cipally to intend his owne assurance.
Prepost•…•…rous curiosity is stab•…•…ed with the order [ 3] of the words, Calling and Election, not Election and Calling. Men must fi•…•…t begin to assure their Calling, and then 〈◊〉〈◊〉, argue and inferre the assurance of th•…•…ir Election.
Continuall wavering is wounded under the [ 4] fifth ribbe, in the conclusion of my Text, Sure. Wee will but touch at three first, and land at the last, as the chiefe subject of our ensu∣ing Discourse.
This Grace of Assurance is not attainable with [ V] ease and idlenesse. Christianity is a laborious Profession. Observe Gods servants cleane through the Scripture, resembled to men of painefull vocations: To Racers, who must stretch every sinew to get first to the Goale: to Wrestlers, a troublesome emploiment; so that I am unresolved whether to recount it amongst Toiles, or Exercises, (at the best it is but a toilesome Exercise.) To Souldiers, who are in constant Service and dayly Duty, alwaies on the Guard against their Enemies. Besides, we Mini∣sters are compared to Shepherds, a painefull and dangerous profession amongst the Jewes; to
Watchmen, which continually wake for the good of o•…•…hers: so that besides the difficulties of our Christian calling, we are incumbred with others, which attend our Ministeriall function. Let none therefore conceit, that Salvation with the Gra∣ces accompaning it (whereof this Assurance we treat of is a Principall) is to be compassed with facility, without constant care and endeavour to obtaine it. How easily was the man in the Gospell let downe to our Saviour in the house, whilst foure men for him uncovering the roofe thereof, let him downe with cords lying quiet∣ly on his couch? Some may suppose that with as little hardship they may bee lifted up to hea∣ven, and that whilest they lazily lye snorting on their beds of security, (never mortifying their lusts, never striving for grace, never strug∣ling against their corruptions) they shall bee drawne up to happinesse, or it let down to them, merely by the cords of Gods mercy, and Christs merits. Such men without amendment will one day finde themselves dangerously deceived, and that it is a laborious taske, to gaine either the surenesse, or assurance of salvation, wherein, ac∣cording to the Apostles prescription, wee must give diligence.
To make your [Each Christian is principally [ VI] to endeavour the Assurance of his owne Cal∣ling and Election.] Indeed it were to be wished, that Parents, besides themselves, were assured of the true sanctity (so by consequence of their Calling and Election) of themselves multipli∣ed,
the children God hath given them, of the second part of their selves lying in their bo∣some, their wives, of t•…•…ue grace in their friends and family. How comfortable were it, if Mini∣sters were ascertained of true grace and pietie in the breasts and bosomes of the people com∣mitted to their charge. But the best way to passe a rationall verdict, on the sincerity of san∣ctity in another, is first to finde an experimentall Evidence thereof in ones own heart. A Phylo∣sopher complained, that it was an exceeding hard thing to finde a wise man; true, said an∣other, for he must bee a wise man that seekes him, and knowes when he hath found him; and hence a∣riseth the difficulty, because two wise men in ef∣fect must meet together, the Seeker, and the Finder. It is a hard thing in like manner to bee assured of unfained faith, and undissembled De∣votion in another mans heart. Because first, that party must have a feeling of the operati∣on of grace in his owne soule (otherwise blinde men are incompetent Judges of co∣lours) before he can make his presumptions of holinesse in another, from those sacred sym∣ptomes and fruits of piety, which he findes in his owne Conscience. Let it therefore be eve∣ry mans maine worke, first to make a scrutiny in his owne soule, to make his own Calling and Election sure.
How contrary is this to the common practice [ VII] of most in the world? It is a tale of the wan∣dring Jew, but it is too much truth of too
many wandring Christians: whose home is al∣waies to bee abroad, Professours in spirituall Palmestry, who will undertake to read the Life-line, the line of eternall life in the hands of mens soules, though for all their •…•…kill, they often mistake the hands of Esau for the hands of Jacob, approving many hypocrites for their holinesse and condemning sincere soules for counterfeits and dissemblers.
Calling and Election [men are not to lanch [ VIII] into the Depths of Predestination at the first dash, but first soberly to begin with their Calling or Vocation.] Surely the very An∣gells which climbed up the ladder in Jacobs * 1.2 dreame did first begin at the last and lowest Round. First looke to finde thy justification, and sanctification, then thy adoption and vo∣cation, lastly thy election and predestination. But alasse, as the Hebrews read their letters back∣ward: so it is to be feared that too many pre∣posterously invert the order of my Text, and instead of Calling and Election, read Election and Calling, first grasping at those mysteries (both in their practise and discourse) which are above their reach, as if their soules feared to be •…•…unne a-ground, if sailing in the shallows of Faith and good workes, they never count themselves safe, but when adventuring in those secrets wherein they can finde no bottome.
We are now come to the youngest part in [ IX] the Text, to which we intend a Benjamin's portion. B•…•…ing to discourse of the certainty
of calling and election, not in respect of Gods predestination, it being from all Eternity sure in him, * 1.3 from the beginning of the world God knoweth all his workes, but in reference to man's apprehension, concerning the assurance there∣of. And now least our discourse like * 1.4 Jor∣dan in the first moneth should over-flow, wee will raise these Bankes to bridle it, and con∣sider;
Of the first. That assurance of ones Calling [ X] and Election may, without any miraculous re∣velation, be in this life acquired, appeareth plaine in the Text; because the Apostle in the simplicity of the Dove-like Spirit exhort's us to the attaining thereof. Now surely it had been no better than holy fraud, (which hea∣ven hath a Pillorie to punish) to put men up∣on a labour in vaine, to seeke that which is not to be found. Thinke not therefore that the as∣surance of Calling and Election is like the Phi∣losophers stone, which so many have searched for, yet all have lost their estates, before they could find it out; but no doubt by God's
blessing it is in this world attainable. And yet the Papists maintaine, that whilest wee live in this world, and saile in our desires and affections to the rich Indies of Heaven and happinesse, no further Land is discoverable beyond the Cape of good hope, and that it is arrogancy and presum∣ption (without an immediate expresse by reve∣lation from Heaven) for any to conceive him∣self assured of his salvation.
For the second, this assurance of ones Calling and [ XI] Election is a [sepa•…•…able] fruit or effect, not of every true, but only of some strong Paiths, where∣by the party is perswaded, of the certainty of his Calling and Election. I say separable, to manifest my dissenting from such worthy Di∣vines, who make this Assurance to bee the ve∣ry Being, Essence, Life, Soule, and Formality of Faith itself. Whence these two Opinions as false, as dangerous, must of necessity bee infer∣red. First, that every one who hath true faith, and are eternally to bee saved, have alwaies some measure of this Assurance: Secondly, that such, who are devoid of this Assurance, are like∣wise deprived of all sincere faith for the present. But God forbid any Preacher should deliver Do∣ctrines so destructive to Christian comfort on the one side, and advantagious to spirituall Pride on the other. Such will prove Carnificinae, the ra•…•…ks and tortures of tender Consciences. And as the * 1.5 carelesse Mother kill'd her little childe, for she overlaid it; so the weight of this heavie Doct•…•…in, would presse many poore, but pious soul•…•…s; ma∣ny
faint, but feeble infant-faiths to the pit of De∣spaire, exacting and extorting from them more than God requires, that every Faith should have assurance with it, or else be uneffectuall to sal∣vation. No, the formality of Faith, consists in mans renouncing and disclaiming all sufficiencie in himselfe, casting, rolling, and relying his soule totally and entirely on the mercies of God, and merits of Christ, though not assured sometimes of the certainty of his salvation. Like a man in a tempest cast out of the ship, and lying on a planke or board, placeth-all his humane hopes on that planke or board, thereby to escape drow∣ning, though he have no certainty, that the same shall bring him safe to the shore.
As for those reverend Divines who have writ∣ten [ XII] and maintained the contrary, that Assurance is the very soule of faith, and faith dead and uselesse without it; far be it from me, because dissenting from thei•…•… opinions, to raile on their Persons, and wound the memories of those which are dead with opprobrious termes▪ rather let us thank God for their learned and religious writings left be∣hinde them, knowing, that the head of the know∣ledge of this Age, stands on the shoulders of the former, and their very errors have advantaged us into a clearer discovery of the truth in this particular.
In the next place; a Christian thus collecteth this Assurance of his Calling and Election, by com∣posing this practicall •…•…yllogisme in his soule.
The Major is the sense of the Scripture in severall places, the very effect of Gods promises, and the generall scope of the Gospell: so that if Satan should be so impudent, as to deny the truth of this Proposition, he may be beaten with that wea∣pon, whereat once he challenged our Saviour, it is written.
All the difficulty is in the Minor. Happy that [ XIII] man, blessed that woman, who without self-de∣lusion, without flattering their owne soules, can seriously make this Assumption, But I, &c. For such I dare be bold to make the Conclusion, yea it makes it selfe for them, without my Assistance. But alasse! many out of fearefulnesse dare not make this Minor, concerning this Assumption to bee presumption in them. And although, they might truely doe it (being in a better condition then they conceive themselves) yet overwhelmed with the sense of their sinnes and Gods severity, they assume the contrary, and poore soules, often
apprehend and conclude their owne damnation in their wounded consciences: whereas others with a more dangerous mistake of common illu∣minations, for discrim•…•…nating grace, falsely make the Minor and causelesly inferre, their blessed con∣dition, without just ground for the same. Such few as goe rightly to worke doe produce these three witnesses, to assert the truth of this Minor proposition.
First, the testimony of their Conscience, that [ XIV] Atturney Generall to the King of heaven, whose Yea or Nay, ought to bee more with us then all the Oa•…•…hes in the world beside. One knoweth whom it is that he loveth, and whom he loveth not, whom it is he trusteth, and whom he trust∣eth not, and in like manner his Conscience tells him, whether he doth, or doth not truely repent, whether seemingly, or sincerely he casteth him∣selfe on God in Christ.
Secondly, the witnesse of the holy Spirit in [ XV] their hearts, * 1.6 which beareth witnesse with their Spirit, that they are the children of God. Now wee must with sorrow confesse, that this doctrine of the Spirit dwelling in the heart of Gods servants is much discountenanced of late, and the Devill thereupon hath improved his owne interest. To speake plainely, it is not the fiercenesse of the Li∣on, nor the fraud of the Fox, but the mimical∣nesse of the Ape, which in our Age hath discre∣dited the undoubted Truth. But what if the Apes in India finding a glow-worme, mistooke it to be true fire, and heaping much combustible mat∣ter
about it, hoped by their blowing of it, thence to kindle a flame; I say, what if that Animal 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 that Mirth▪making creature, deceived it •…•…elfe, doth it thence follow •…•…hat there is no true fire at all? And what if some Phanaticall Ana∣baptists, by u•…•…urpation have intitled their braine∣sicke fanc•…•…es, to be so many illuminations of the spiri•…•…, must we presently turne * 1.7 Sadduces in this point, and deny that there is any spirit at all? God forbid. We confesse the Apostles in the Primi∣tive Church were our elder bretheren, and wi•…•…h Isaac carri•…•…d away the inheritance of the spirit in so great a proportion, as to be enabled thereby to miraculous operations; Yet so, that wee, (though the yonger bretheren) the sonnes of Keturah, have rich and precious gifts of the spi∣rit bestowed upon us, which at sometime or o∣ther, in a higher or lower degree sweetly move the soule of all Gods servants, and in many of them, testifie the truth of that Minor Proposition, namely the sincerity of their faith and repentance.
The third and last witnesse we will insist on, is [ XVI] that comfort and contentment, the Conscience of the party tak•…•…s in doing good works, and bringing forth the fruits of new obedience. That though hee knowes his best good works are stai∣ned with corruptio•…•…s and many imperfections, yet because they are the end of his vocation, and the Justifiers of his Faith; because thereby the Gos•…•…ell is graced, wicked men amazed, some of them converted, the rest confounded, weake Christians confirmed, the poore relieved, Devils
r•…•…pining at them, Angels rejoycing for them, God himselfe glorified by them, I say,▪ because of these and other reasons, he doth good deeds with h•…•…mility and cheerefulnesse, and findeth a singular joy in his soule resulting from the doing thereof. This joy is an excellent witnesse to de∣pose the truth of his Faith and repentance, and to confirme the Minor in the former Syllogisme.
See here though good works on just ground [ XVII] were excluded our Text, yet in due time and their proper places wee have entertained them in our sermon. If good workes offer to crowd into our justification, let us be so bold as to shut the doore against them. But if wee have any to come i•…•…to our sanctification, thereby also to ave•…•…re and attest the truth of our Faith and Repentance; let us say to them as Laban to Jacob, why stand yee without come in yee blessed of the Lord. And this joy conceived from the good workes men doe, is the more pure the more private, the more sincere, the more secretly it is carried. I shall ever commend the modesty of Elisabeth: who a•…•…ter long barrennesse finding her self with child did not publish her happinesse to the veiw of the world, but hid her self three •…•…oneths. If after too long sterility in goodnesse, thou per∣ceivest thy self at last by God's grace pregnant in pious workes, vent not thy good successe in the Market-place, doe not boast and bragge thereof in discourse to others, but bee contented to enjoy the solid comfort thereof betwixt God and thy owne conscience.
So•…•… much for the th•…•…ee witnesses to confirme [ XVIII] the truth of the Minor. All that I shall adde is this; let us who are or should bee schollars take heed, whom our parents or friends have bred at the Fountaines of Learning and Religion, till our portions are almost shrunke into our E∣ducation. Let us take heed, least silly simple p•…•…ople, who never read Aristotle's Organon, never knew how to mould Argument in mood and figure, make this Syllogisme true in their hearts, by their supernaturall Logicke; whilest we, with all our wit and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 learning, make at the best but a Soloecisme, a•…•…d thereby put a dangerous fallacy upon our owne soules.
But heere wee must propound and answer [ XIX] some objections, the resolution whereof may tend both to our instruction and comfort; The* 1.8 first is this, whether all the servants of God now living, and in the state of grace, are for the pre∣sent assured of their Calling and Election; So that if instantly arrested to pay their debt to na∣ture, they are as confident of their souls moun∣ting up to heaven and happinesse, as of their bodies falling downe to dust and corruption.
Wee divide the congregation of God's ser∣vants [ XX] now surviving into rankes; First * 1.9 Mna∣sons* 1.10 old disciples, seniour pro•…•…essors of 〈◊〉〈◊〉. * 1.11 Hannah's which have lived many yeares in the Temple, serving God with •…•…asting and Prayers night and day. These by frequent acts, have contracted a habit of Piety, G•…•…ace by custome is made another nature unto them, especially
towards the latter end of their liues; partly because their soules do steale a Glymps, Glance, or Pisgah-sight of heaven, through the Clefts and Chinkes of their Age, or sicknesse-bro∣ken-bodies; and partly because, as all motion is swiftest the neerest it comes to the Center: So they, the neerer they draw by dea•…•…h to hea∣ven, God's Spir•…•…t and all goodnesse groweth more quick and active in them. Of t•…•…ese wee say that it is often observed, God deales so graciously with th•…•…m, as to crowne their endea∣vors with an assurance of salvation. To such I may adde those whom I may call young-old-Christi∣ans, whose profession of Christ, though short, hath beene thick; though young in yeares, yet they have not onely done, but suffered for Christ. Religion hath cost them deare, they have not only been summered but wintered in piety, have not onely passed prosperity, but have been ac∣quainted with adversity therein. Great trave∣lors in Christianity, which have cut the line, and have passed the Torrid Zone of Persecution, and which is more, of a wounded conscience. These also God may admit into the former forme, and out of his undeserved mercy reward them with the Assurance of their salvation.
But all starres which sh•…•…ne in heaven are not [ XXI] of the first greatnesse, neither are all of David's worthies to bee equalled with the first three. Other Christians there are (who in God's due time may mate the former both in grace and glory) Punies in piety, Novices in Religi∣on:
Of such, I say, not one of a hundred (whatsoever they may erroneously pretend to the contrary) are assured of their Calling and Ele•…•…tion.
If further it be demanded, whether every [ XXII] Saint of God belonging to Election, hath not at one time or other in his life or at his death, this assurance conveyed into his soule, I must confesse that he•…•…rein, the streames of learned mens judgements, runn•…•… not onely in different, but contra•…•…y channells. Some are of opinion that God is so gracious, and magnifies his mer∣cy so much in his proceedings towards his •…•…er∣vants, that the very meanest in the Family of Faith, have some proportion of this assurance, conferred upon them during their abode in this life. Other Divines, no 〈◊〉〈◊〉 inferiour to the former in num∣ber, Learning, Religion, and Christian experience, main•…•…aine the opposite opinion: that God some∣times is so pleased, to try the patience, and hum∣ble the hearts of some of his servants, that a con∣tinuall feare, is a constant covering of their eyes, they goe heavily all the day long, never daring for feare of presumption, to owne and acknowledge any grace in their hearts, alwai •…•…jealous of their owne condition, and sadly suspitious of them∣selves, least all their 〈◊〉〈◊〉 prove hypoc•…•…isie, and their Piety be more in pro•…•…ession then 〈◊〉〈◊〉. Those may be 〈◊〉〈◊〉 •…•…nto children in their Mothers belly, which have true life in them, and yet themselves doe not know that they live. For my owne part, I conceive this controversie
can onely bee decided betwixt God, and a mans owne Conscience: no third Person can be privie to the secret transactions betwixt them. The last of these two Opinions (so farre as one may con∣jecture) hath most of charity, and not the least of truth in it. I am perswaded that many a pious soule dying in the fit of a t•…•…mptation, hath instantly expected to sinke from his death-bed into hell-fire, when the same by Gods goodnesse hath beene countermanded a contrary way, and sent to blisse and happinesse; Yea, it is more then probable, that many sad and affli•…•…ted spirits, have beene pos∣sessed of glory in heaven, before they durst ever owne that themselves had any true Grace on earth.
The next question which comes to be resolved, [ XXIII] is, whether this assurance once possessed, may not afterwards be forfeited. Here the controversie is not, whether once the childe of God, may relapse into the state of damnation, totally and finally lo∣sing all saving Grace in his heart, (which desperate Position cuts asunder the sinewes of all Gospel∣comfort) but it is onely enquired into, whether the apprehension or Assurance of his calling may not in some cases be lost. Wherein our answer is affirmative, and this usually comes to passe on these two sad Occasions.
First, when the Party commits some Consci∣ence-wasting [ XXIV] sinne, such as Tertullian tearmes, Peccatum devoratorium salutis; and continu•…•…s in the same some season without repentance. indeed e∣very surreptitious sinne, or sinne of infirmity, and especially a complication of many of them toge∣ther,
have a good minde to destroy this Assurance; But it is seldome seene, that their strength is so great, (though they frequently fret and dayly nibble at the cordes of our Assurance) as to share or grind them asunder, a thing usually done by the committing of high and heinous offences. There is a whirlewinde in the West-Indies, called a Herricane, which comes but seldome, and yet too often. For then Rasor-like it shaves downe all levell and flat before it, Trees, and Townes, and Towres, in a word, it is as wild and savage as the Natives of the Countrey. No lesse the impetuous violence and cruelty of a Conscience∣wasting-sinne: such as Lots •…•…ncest, Davids Adul∣tery, Peters deni•…•…ll, when they come, they make a depopulation of all Graces formerly planted in the soule; maiming the hand of Faith, breaking the Anchor of Hope, quenching the heate of Charity▪ darkning the light of knowledge, and totally taking away for a time, the comfortable apprehension of Gods love to them, and their cal∣ling to God. This made David petition to God, Restore to me the joy of thy salvation, Wherein three things are implied. First, that once he did possesse that joy, Restore it. Secondly, that now hee had lost it, Restore it; Lastly, that the losse thereof was not so desperate, but with hope by true sor∣row, to recover this joy. Restore to me the joy of thy Salvation.
The second way to lose this Assurance, is by [ XXV] suffering some great affliction, above the standard and proportion of ordinary crosses; seemingly
of a sadder hue, and blacker complexion then what usually b•…•…fall other Christians. In such a case a sorrowfull soule, is ready thus to reason with it selfe. Once I conceived my sel•…•…e in a happy condition, thinking my selfe estated in the favour of God, truely called, and by consequence truely elected to grace here, and glory hereafter. But now alasse, I pe•…•…ceive my selfe utterly mista∣ken. I built my hopes on a false bottome; I am but a meere formalist, a pretender to piety, yea a reprobate and cast-away, otherwise God would never afflict me in this fashion, with such hide∣ous and horrible crosses, dolefull tribulations, dismall temptations, so that the brimstone of hell-fire may plainely bee sented therein. Thus holy Job, when God discharged whole volleys of Chaine-shot of afflictions against him, one drew on another, we find him sometimes venting ex∣pression, rankly savouring of despaire, and no wonder if hee began to stagger who had drunke so deepely of the bitter cuppes. And now conceiving our selves in some measure to haue satisfied the most important practicall queries wherewith this doctrine of Assurance is incum∣bred, we come to make some profitable applica∣tion.
The Gr•…•…cians had a threesold Song, the Old [ XXVI] men sung, we have beene, the middle aged men we are, the young men, we shall be. This Song will serve to divide my Auditors at this time. Some sing we have beene. There was a happy time wherein wee were ascertained of our C•…•…lling and
Election; but now, alasse poore soules I have lost it. Others Sing wee are for the present in the peacible poss•…•…ssi•…•…n of such assurance. Others •…•…g wee shall bee in God's due time, when his good∣nesse and wisedome seeth fit, such an happinesse shall bee bestowed upon us.
Wee begin with the first that sing, wee have [ XXVII] beene▪ O that it were in my power as well to help as to pitty you, to amend as to bemoane your condition! It is the greatest misery, that one hath once beene happy. All your Song is a Burthen. The best advice I can prescribe unto you is this; seriously consider with your selves which way you lost this assurance of your Salvation was it by committing a conscience-wasting-sinne? no Divine can commend unto you better or o∣ther Physick, than onely * 1.12 Remember from whence thou art fallen, and repent and doe thy first Workes. And although it may please God in his mercy to forgive thy dayly-imperfections and mani∣fold infirmities, on thy generall repentance and quotidian p•…•…ayer, and forgive us our trespasses, yet the most comfortable course and surest way to obtaine peace of conscience after the commit∣ting of an hainous offence, is by particular hu∣miliation for it, without which serious sorrow, solide comfort is either never given, or not long enjoyed.
But if thou hast forfeited thy former assurance, [ XXVIII] thorough the pressure of some heavy afflicti∣on, learne and labour to rectifie thy erronious judgement, who from the premises haply of God's
love, at the worst of his anger, hath falsely in∣ferred a conclusion of his hatred against thee. •…•…nsider how God corrects those whom hee loves most, to the intent that all grace may bee encreased and improved in them. Passing by on a night in the streets, I met a youth h•…•…ving a lighted linke in his hands, who was offen∣ded thereat, because it burnt so da•…•…k and dimme, and therefore the better to improve the light thereof, he beat, bruised, and battered it against the wall, that the wicke therein might be sp•…•…ead out, and the pitch with other comb•…•…stible mat∣ter, (which before stifled the light with its over∣stiffnesse) might be loosened, which presently caused the linke to blaze forth into a lighter flame. God in like manner deales with thy soul; that thou mayest shine the brighter before men, hee doth buffet and afflict thee with severall temptations, which give thee occasio•…•…s to exercise thy graces which lay hid in prosperity. Such corrections will in conclusion, greatly adde to thy spirituall light and lustre. Apply these and the like consolations to thy soule, and remem∣ber what David saith, heavinesse may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. Yea but you will say, my night of sorrow, is like the nights in Greene-Land, which last full four moneths together. A long night I must con∣fesse, but day will dawne at the last, and last the longer for it.
Come we now to those that sing wee are, who [ XXIX] doe not boast (that is a bad signe) but re∣joyce,
that for the present they are possessed of this assurance. And is it so indeed? And doest thou not deceive thy selfe, beholding thy condition through a fl•…•…ttering glasse or false spectacles? Well if thou affirmest it, I dare not deny it. It were no manners nor charity in mee to give thy beliefe the lie; and there∣fore what you say of your selves, I give credite thereunto. Onely let me stay a little and congratulate your happy estate. Good successe have you with your honour. God hath not dealt thus with every one, neither have all his servants so large a proportion of his favour. And now I will take the boldnesse to commend some coun∣sell unto you. In the first place be thankefull to God f•…•…r this great courtesie conferred upon thee, and know, that all heavenly gifts as they are got by Prayer, are kept, confirmed, and increased by Praises.
Secondly, take heed of insulting over such as [ XXX] want this assurance: upbraid not them with their sad condition. Say not unto them, I am certaine of my Calling and Election, Ergo, I am a Saint, a chosen vessell, eternally to bee sav•…•…d; Th•…•…u lackest this certainty, therefore art a reprobate, a cast away, a fire-brand of Hell, eternally to bee damned. Is this the expression of thy gratitude to God, proudly to trample on his servants, and thy brethren? It is hard to say, whether that thy inference hath more of profanenesse, or false∣hood in it. If a Favou•…•…ite to a great Emperour should say, [All that are not in as high esteeme and
credit with the Emperour as my selfe, are so many Traitours.] Would not this be accounted not on∣ly, a vaine-glorious expression, but injurious, both to his soveraigne and fellow-subjects? How many thousands of them, would be willing, yea desirous to adventure their lives, in a lawfull cause for their Emperours honour, who not with∣standing never had the favour, to bee personably known unto him, much lesse to be 〈◊〉〈◊〉 by him to places of eminent trust and command. And may not many be presumed on, as cordi∣ally affected to Gods glory, which from their hearts love and •…•…onour both him and his, com∣pleatly loyall to his heavenly Majesty, who have not as yet been advanced so high, and ingratia∣ted so farre with him, as to receive the Assurance of their Calling and Election?
Thirdly, walke humbly before God, and know [ XXXI] that this Assurance hath a narrow throate, and may be choaked with a small sinne, if God leave thee to thy selfe. There be two kindes of poyson, the one hot, the other cold. Hot poyson makes speedy dispatch, it sends men post to their graves; Cold poyson is not so active and operative, it kills but at distance, and if in any reasonable time it meets with a seasonable Antidote, the malignity thereof may be prevented, yea perchance with∣out an Antidote, if falling upon a strong and stur∣dy constitution, may be mastered by natures own Cordiall; not finally to destroy, but onely to stu∣pifie and benumme. Presumption is hot poyson, it kills its thousands, makes quick riddance of mens
soules to 〈◊〉〈◊〉. Despaire, wee confesse, is poyson, and hath kill'd its thousands, but the ve∣nome there of is more curable, as more colde and faint in the operation thereof. Take heede there∣fore of presumption, lest the confidence of the Assurance of thy Calling betray thee to spirituall Pride, that to Security, that to Destruction.
Her•…•… take notice that •…•…he soule of a Saint con∣sists [ XXXII] o•…•… sacred riddles, and holy contradictions: Rejoyce (saith * 1.13 David) before him with trembling▪ if rejoying how can hee tremble, if trembling how can hee rejoyce? Oh that is an unhappy soule which cannot find an expedient betwixt these 〈◊〉〈◊〉! that cannot accommodate these seem∣ing contrarieties: Rejoycing, when he lookes on a gracious God, trembling, when he beholds a sin∣full selfe: Rejoycing, when looking upward on Gods 〈◊〉〈◊〉, trembling, when looking down∣wards on his deserts. Ever triumphing, that hee shall be saved, and evertrembling lest he should be damned; ever certaine that he shall stand, and ever c•…•…refull least he should fall. Tantus est gradus certitudinis, (suith Saint Augustine) quantus est gra∣dus sollicitudinis. He that hath much seare to of∣•…•…end God, hath much certainty to continue in his favour: he that feares little, hath little certainty; and h•…•… that is altogether fearelesse, whatsoever he proudly 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to the contrary, hath no assu∣rance at all to persevere in Gods favour. Wee may observe that such as have the shaking Palsie in their heads, live to be very aged men: sure I am, that such as have a fil•…•…all feare to incurre their hea∣venly
Fathers displeasure, hold out to the last, e∣ven to that life which hath no end. The heavens themselves are said to have M•…•…tum trepidationis, and the best and most spirituall servants of God, con∣stantly feele such trembling fits in their owne souls. In a word, Assurance to persevere is a spar∣kle of heavenly fire, fed with the dayly tinder of feare to offend God.
Nor let any confidently presume on the myste∣rie [ XXXIII] of predestination, (which like the Lawes of the Medes and Persians cannot be repealed) thereon to sinne with indempnity, because once and ever Gods servant, and no feare finally to fall from him. For, besides other answers to quell•…•… their pride, let such seriously consider but this particu∣lar instance. God granted Hezekiah a Lease•…•… of his life for fifteen yeares longer, and it was im∣possible for him to dye till that tearme was ex∣pired; so that had Hezekiah fed on Toades and Vi∣pers, on the most noxious food for mans nature, he was notwithstanding immortall during the time prefixt; because Truth it selfe had promised it. However if Hezekiah proved carelesse in his diet, though certaine of his life, he had no assurance of his health for that season. His intemperance might draw sicknesse on him, so that hee might lose the li•…•…e of his life, his liberty of walking abroad, com∣fort in conversing with company, pleasure in tast∣ing his meate and drinke, to be kept constant pri∣soner on his bed, a languishing as bad as death it selfe. Grant in like manner, that Predestination priviledgeth thee from finall Apostacie, yet if
carelesse to keepe Gods Commandements, thou maist forfeit all thy spirituall comfort, the joy of thy Salvation, have a hell on earth in thy Consci∣ence, having in thy apprehension all the beames of Gods favour ecclipsed, one glimps thereof a ser∣vant of God prizeth above millions of worlds.
We come now to these that sing, We shall be. It [ XXXIV] is (say they) not onely vaine but wicked to seeke to bett•…•…r our conditions by telling a lie. Wee should wrong God and our owne consciences to affirme that for the present this Assurance is con∣ferred upon us; but are not in despaire in due time from God's mercy to receive it. Some counsels I have to recommend unto them.
First doe not envie and repine at their happines, [ XXXV] to whom this favour is already confirmed, but be∣cause God hath lov'd and honour'd them so much, doe thou love and honour them the more, and doe desire and endeavour to bee added to their society.
Secondly know to thy comfort that were it not [ XXXVI] more for God's glory, and thy good, this Assu∣rance had long since been bestowed upon thee. And for severall reasons it is hitherto detained.
1. Perchance because as yet th•…•…u hast not fer∣vently sued to God for it. Thy affections are gold weights, not zealously engaged in the desire thereof. Thou seemest indifferent and unconcern'd, whether thou receivest this As∣surance or no. Now God sets such an estimate and valuation on this Assurance, as a grand gift, and favour of the first magnitude, that he will have it sought, and searched, and sued,
and prayed; and pressed for, with holy con∣stancy, and restlesse importunity before hee will grant it. Hannah called her sonne, * 1.14 Sa∣muel, For (said shee) I have asked him of the Lord. Every good thing, temporall, spirituall, inward, outward, every particular grace must be a Samuel, craved, and requested of God be∣fore the fruition thereof can be sweet to our soules, or comfortable to our Consciences▪ To have a favour, before we have requested it, is the ready way to lose it, before wee know the true worth and value thereof.
2. Perchance God as, yet with-holds this assurance from thee, with intent to render it more acceptable when it is bestowed. Never had Isaac beene so welcome to Sarah, but be∣cause long barrennesse, and expectation, had set so sharpe an edge on her affection.
3. It may be God in his Providence fore∣sees, should this Assurance be bestowed upon thee, thou would'st play the unthrift and ill husband therewith: And therefore God still keeps it in his own hand, untill thou beest more wise and better able to manage and imploy it. The * 1.15 Prodigall Sonne having received his Portion from his Father, riotously spe•…•…t it amongst Harlots; the same may be suspe•…•…d by thee, and therefore as carefull Parents, jea∣lous of their sonnes thriftinesse, will not deli∣ver unto them all their Meanes at once, but rather confine them for some yeares to a small Pension and moderate Annuitie, intending to
open their hands, and enlarge their bounty, when they see cause; God in like manner will not intrust thee with the grosse summe of thy Assurance to be paid thee all at once, •…•…ut r•…•…∣taile it out unto thee, by degrees more or lesse; now a scruple, now a dramme thereof. And when thou shalt give good Evidence of thy Christian prudence to husband and imp•…•…ove it, the remnant of this Assurance shall wholly be made over unto thee.
Thirdly, wait and attend the time of God. O [ XXXVII] tarry the Lords leasi•…•…e (when he will be, he can bee at leasure) who in the most fittest minute and mo∣ment will confi•…•…me this long expected Assurance unto thee. Know this that all the weights and and plu•…•…mets of humane importunity, cannot make the Clock of Gods Time st•…•…ike a minute sooner then he hath set it. No doubt the Virgi•…•… Mary shared the greatest Interest in our Saviour according to the flesh, to obtaine a reasonable request of him, and yet could not prevaile for the working of a Miracle before his * 1.16 ho•…•…re was fully come. Wherefore be thou not like to Hophni and Phi•…•…eas the Priests, who contrary to Gods institution, when any man offered a sacrifice, u∣sed to send a servant whilest the flesh was •…•…∣ing, with a * 1.17 Flesh▪ hooke of three te•…•…eh in his hand, who thrusting it into the kettle, tooke or his Masters part, whatsoever the Flesh-hooke brought up; And if any advised him to stay till the fat was bu•…•…nt, according to the custome un der the law, hee presently proved impatient, would have no
sodden flesh but raw, which if not instantly given him, he would take it by force. Now such are the ravenous appetites, and voracious stomacks of many men, that when they propound any thing to their desires, they will not stay till God hath fitted it for them; but by hooke or by crooke, by any sinister or indirect meanes they will compasse their ends. Such will feed on raw meat (as if the heat of their ardent desires would rost it enough for themselves) morsels which perchance some∣times would be pleasant for the Palate to taste, but never wholesome for the stomacke to digest. These are not pleased, though having what they please, if not also when they please: Be not thou of their Diet; know such raw meat will occasion crudities in thy stomacke. Quietly attend till God hath cooked thy meat for thee: thinke not in vaine to antidate, his time is the best time. Know that generally the Watches of our desores goe too fast; and therefore to set them right, they must be set backe according to the Sunne-dyall of Gods pleasure. Wherefo•…•…e without any murmu∣ring or repining, doe thou willingly and cheere∣fully waite the happy time, when God shall bee pleased to bestow this Assurance upon thee.
To Conclude with the time; The Schoole∣men [ XXXVIII] have a distinction of a two-fold certainety of Salvation; the one evidentiae, the other adhae∣rentiae: the former is when one evidently and clearely apprehends Gods favour seal'd unto him by his Spirit. This hitherto thou lackest, but
dost diligently labour, dayly pray, and duely waite to receive it. The latter of adherence or recumbencie, all true Christians ought ever to bee possessed off, which hope for any happy∣nesse. Namely when a man casteth himselfe wholly upon Christ, clinging about him with Jobs resolution, Though thou killest mee, yet will I put my trust in thee. Till we gaine the latter, let us make much of the former, having as much safety, though not so much solace in it; and which will with as much certainety, though not so much comfort, through Gods mercy, bring our soules to heaven and hap∣pinesse.
Ruth. 2. 20.
Gen. 28. 12.
Ac•…•… 15. 8.
1 Chro: 12. 15.
1 King. 3.
Rom. 8. 16.
Acts 23. 8.
Object.
Acts.
Answ.
Luke 2. 3•…•….
Revel. 2. 5. 〈◊〉〈◊〉
Psal. 2. 11.
1 Sam. 1, 20.
L•…•…e •…•…5.
John 2. 4.
•…•… Sam. 2. 133