〈◊〉〈◊〉 it with a conjunction of opposition BUT. As if he had said, I conceive 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of you, and of your former practice: but yet you must not thereupon wax se∣•…•…, but use all meanes for attaining that Salvation which I am perswaded is pre∣pared for you.
Thus we see that assurance of the end, is no sufficient cause to neglect meanes 〈◊〉〈◊〉 •…•…ining to the end. Election and Vocation give assurance of Salvation: yet 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Apostle exhorteth them who were called, and thereby had evidence of their 〈◊〉〈◊〉, to give diligence to make their calling and election sure, 2 Pet. 1. 10 Who •…•…ld have greater assurance of Salvation then Paul, (Rom. 8. 38, 39.) Yet who 〈◊〉〈◊〉 carefull in using meanes for attaining thereto, then he? I so run (saith he) not as •…•…ly: so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: but I keep under my body, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 i•…•… into subjection, &c. 1 Cor. 9. 26, 27. And again, I follow after, if that I may 〈◊〉〈◊〉 that for which also I am apprehended of Christ, Phil. 3. 12. God who hath promised the end hath ordained the meanes for attaining thereto. He who is rightly •…•…d of the end, as by faith he seeth the promise and resteth on it, so he observetl•…•… the means, which he that promised, hath appointed for attaining of that promise, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 thereupon is carefull in using the same.
•…•…. This discovereth the cavill of our adversaries against our Doctrine about the certainty of Salvation. Their cavill is that it is a Doctrine of presumption, liberty and security. But they making mens Salvation to depend meerly on conjectures, are no more able to judge of a true believers assurance, then a blind man of colours. It is their ignorance, which makes them Judge so perversly, and preposterously. The ass•…•…rance and certainty of Salvation which we teach, resteth not on mans strength and stability: but on the immutability of Gods counsell and promise: on the effi∣cacy of Christs Sacrifice and intercession: and on the continuall assistance of Gods Spirit. See more here of Chap. 3. v. 12. §. 134.
Indeed when we consider our own weakness and wearisomness in holy duties, o•…•…r •…•…ability and inconstancy, together with the many violent temptations whereunto we are daily subject, we cannot deny, but that there is great cause for us to fear.
Hence is it that there are sundry exhortations in Scripture on the one side, to be confident, and on the other, to fear.
When the Holy Ghost would shew what we are of our selves, he useth such ca∣•…•… as these, Let him that thinketh he standeth, take heed lest he fall, (1 Cor. 10. 12.) be not high minded, but fear, Rom. 11. 20. Work out your salvation with fear and •…•…bling, Phil. 2. 18. But when he would shew the unmovable grounds of faith and perseverance, he useth such incouragements as these. Be ye of good cheer, (John 16. 33.) F•…•…ar not little flock, Luk. 12. 32. Let us draw neer with a true heart in full assurance of faith, Heb. 10. 22. Yea, to shew that these are priviledges, not only to be endeavoured after, but such as may be and shall be attained, he expresly setteth down many promises of persevering and obtaining the things promised, such as these, He that drinketh of this water, shall never thirst again, John 4. 14. He that be∣•…•… shall not be confounded, 1 Pet. 2. 6. The gifts and calling of God are without re∣•…•…tance, Rom. 11. 29. It is your Fathers good pleasure to give you a kingdom, Luk. 12. 32.
Thus we see what good warrant we have to teach assurance of salvation to them that believe, and yet withall to press Gods people to take heed, to fear, to use all means, to give all diligence, not to be presumptuous, nor secure.
This is a good direction for Ministers to continue to incite those, of whom they are best perswaded, to use all good meanes of growing and persevering. As it is a point of charity to hope the best: so of Godly jealousie to fear the worst. In this respect, saith the Apostle, I am jealous over you with godly jealousie. 2 Cor. 11. 2.
Here by the way, note how needfull it is to have the word again and again preached, even to such as have knowledge, 2 Pet. 1. 13.