Chap. z, about our holy Calling,or Vocation. Fourthly, itputs life into all our duties, both of Religion and Rishreouf- nefe, Gal. 5.6. Fifthly, it opens a fpring ofgrace inour hearts, John 7. 38. Mr. Byfield on Peter. Doth aChritian alwayes know that he is called ? cilnfw. Sometimes a Chrif}ian f}aggers a little, either not being an experi- encedChriflian, or through fight ofcorruptions and tentations : but fearing thefe afide, a Chrif?ian knows his calling, andwill live by his Rules : for its not on- ly a cal ling, but it works adifpofition : and therefore if we findeit not,wemuff attend upon the meanes of theGofpel, which is called the Kingdome'of Hea- ven, and it will bring us into a good eflate, and Phew us our of}ate alfo, which being once made kno.xm tous, we may a{fure our felves it will remain with us for ever ; which alfo may be gathered from this, in that its anhigh calling, and nothing canbreak any one link of that chain made by God, Remares 8. 29, 30. Dr. Sibbs on Phil. Que1}, How may it be proved that a Chriflianm zy certainty know his vocati- onor calling ? Anfw. Fir& becaufe its the Office of the Spirit of God, which the faithful have received to certifie themof thofe things, which God hath freelie bellow- ed upon them, a Cur. 2. 12. Rom. 8.15. Secondly, Gods children are commanded to make their calling and ele6lion . lure, z Per. i. to. neither is this a legal , but an Evangelical Pre- cept. Thirdly, the grace which they have receivedof God, hath the nature and force of anearnefl, in refpe& of the irihetitance that is promifed them, Eph. I. 14. and 4. 30. feeing therefore it affures us ofthat which is to come, it felfe cannot be uncertain : for nothing can make that certain, which is uncertain it felf. Fourthly, the certain knowledge of the grace of God beflolved upon us , is required as a neceffary foundation to that joy, and gratitude that God expels from us, i Pet.i.6,8. Fifthly, a confcience purified from deadworks, doth neceflàrily infera cer- tain knowledge of grace, Hrb.1o.ao..7 g.ri.8.i& and9.2. Sixthly, this is exprefly affirmed of the faithful, and that from fuch reafons as are common to all the faithful, a 07-.13. 5. t john 3.14. and 4.16. and 5. 20. Qúeíf. By whatfignes may this certainty of our vocation be confirmed to us ? nfw. Firfl, By theconflant inclination ofour wills to God as to our chief- eft good. `Pfalm fig. S7. For no man can place his chiefel} hap pinefs in the fruition ofGod, except he be called cut ofthe world, andconverted from the Idols which hehad formerly fet up in his heart. Secondly, by apurpofe and readinefs of mind to hearken to God in all things, 1 Sam.3.io.Aî1.9,6.Pfa.4o.8i9. For herebywe anfwer to the Call of God. Pfa, 26. 7,8. Thìrdly,By an camel} longingafter the Word ofGod,IPet.z.2.for by this Word we are called, and regenerated, i Per. t .23. Fourthly, By our fincere love to themwhoare begotten toGod by the fame meanes, i foh.3.41. Quef} What means are we to vfe that weway be made partakers of this holy calling? Anf.ThoughGod ismany timesfound of thofe thatfought him-nor,yet thereare feveralduties to be performed by us ordinarily , if, wewill be made partakers of this heavenly calling: as. . F 2 IWe
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