Choice Grounds and Principles of our Christian Religion, Treatise · Question 23
Quest. 23. How shall a man know himselfe to be of the number of them that are elected?
Answ. By the witnesse of Gods Spirit, working in him true repentance, and framing his heart to beleeue, and to yeeld obedience, according to the Word and will of God, Rom. 8.16. Ephes. 1.13, 14.
EXPOSITION.
FOr the better vnderstanding of this point: I will consider it in these three branches. First, I will make it appeare, that the Lord God, before the foundation of the world, hath freely in Christ Iesus, elected some to life and saluation. Secondly, that such as are elected, hauehave the Spirit of Christ, bearing witnesse with their spirits, that they are of this number. And thirdly, that the Spirit doth thus beare witnesse, by working in them true repentance, and by framing their hearts to beleeue, and obey according to the will and Word of God.
As touching the first, that the Lord God hath elected a certaine number: it is euident, where our Sauiour Christ saith, Ioh. 13.Ioh. 13.18. I speake not of you all, I know whom I hauehave chosen. And that this was before the foundation of the world, it is plaine, Ephes. 1.Ephes. 1.4. where the Apostle saith in expresse termes; He hath chosen vsus in him, (that is in Christ) before the foundation of the world. To this effect also, 2. Tim. 1.2. Tim. 1.9. And for this cause doth our Lord Iesus Christ affirme, Math. 25.Mat. 25.34 that after this manner, shall the sentence of euerlasting life bee pronounced at the last Day: Come ye blessed of my Father, inherit ye the Kingdome prepared for you from the foundation of the world. So manifestly teaching, that they were ordained thereunto from euerlasting.
It is euident also, that this election is onelyonly and altogether of the Lords free goodnes, and meere mercy. For Iacob (as the Apostle teacheth, Rom. 9.Rom. 9.11.) nothing at all deserued to bee preferred before his brother Esau: but as our Lord Iesus Christ speaketh, Math. 11.Mat. 11.26 this is euen because such was the goodwill and pleasure of God. And according to that of the Apostle, where he teacheth,Luke 10.21 that of his méere mercy and grace, through Faith in Christ his Sonne, hee hath chosen and preferred to life, whom he will hauehave to be saued, and accounted among the iust.
And to make it yet more plaine, that Reason 1 onelyonly some are thus chosen in Christ before the foundation of the world: it may appeare by this; For if God had decreed, to communicate his glory and mercy to all and eueryevery one, then there could be no election. For he that taketh all, cannot bee said to chuse: And therefore saith the Lord, Math. 20.Mat. 20.16 Many are called, but few are choten. And Ioh. 10. Our Lord Iesus Christ speaking of such is in the eternall counsell of God, are ordained to life and saluation, and whom he there termeth his sheepe; I giuegive vntounto them (saith he) eternall life; not to all, but to them. And Ioh. 17.Ioh. 10.28. Ioh. 17.9. I pray for them, I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast giuen mee, for they are thine.
Now, if it hee demanded, whether the least, or the greatest number of the sonnes and children of men are thus chosen, and ordained to eternall life: The Text is plaine, Math. 7.Mat. 7.14. and they are the words of our Lord Iesus Christ himselfe, that it is a straight gate, and a narrow way that leadeth vntounto life, and few there bee that finde it. The best number is commonly the smallest number. And the Scripture giues great light for the proofe of it in many places. But of this, there can bee no doubt, continuall experience making it apparant.
As concerning the second branch, that such as are elected, hauehave the Spirit of Christ, &c. This is cleerely taught by the Apostle, Rom. 8.Rom. 8.9. where he saith expressely If any man hauehave not the Spirit of Christ, hee is none of his. From whence wee learne, that this is a most certaine, and infallible token, whereby the Children of God are knowne, and discerned from the wicked; because onelyonly Gods Children hauehave the Spirit of Christ, whereby they are mooued, regenerate, and directed to true innocency, and holinesse of life. They onelyonly (I say) hauehave the Spirit, that is, the gifts and graces of the Spirit: the which Spirit doth not onelyonly make their consciences void of care, quiet, and at peace before God, in the matter of their election and iustification, and in all the temptations and troubles of the world: but guideth and leadeth them also into all truth, both as concerning the knowledge, and the practice of it: assuring them withall of the free forgiuenesse of all their sins, and of the euerlasting saluatiō of their soules▪ It is God (saith the Apostle, 2. Cor. 1.2. Cor. 1.21, 22. who hath anointed vsus, who hath also sealed vsus, and hath giuen vsus the earnest of his Spirit in our hearts. And Ephes. 1.Ephes. 1.13, 14. Yee were sealed with the holy Spirit of promise, which is the earnest of our inheritance, vntill the Redemption of the possession purchased, vntounto the praise of his glory. Also Rom. 8.Rom. 8.16. The Spirit it selfe beareth witnesse with our Spirits, that we are the Children of God. And 1. Ioh. 4.1. Ioh. 4.13. Hereby wee know that wee dwell in him, and he in vsus; because he hath giuen vsus of his Spirit. And againe,1. Ioh. 5.10. He that beleeueth in the Sonne of God, hath the witnesse in himselfe. All these places plainly proue, that all Gods elect hauehave the Spirit of Christ bearing witnes with their spirits, that they are of that number. Lastly, proue your selues (saith the Apostle 2. Cor. 13.2. Cor. 13.5.) whether yee are in the Faith. And to what purpose is this spoken, if by the euidence of Gods Spirit wee cannot know our selues to be in the state of grace and saluation? And presently after, Know you not your selues, how that Iesus Christ is in you, except yee be Reprobates? Whereby hee sheweth, that to proue a mans selfe, whether hee be in the Faith, is to proue whether Christ bee in him, because the faith which he speaketh of, is that liuely Faith, whereby Christ dwelleth in our hearts. And if Christ be in you; Ephes. 3.17.the body (as he saith Rom. 8Rom. 8.10. is dead as touching sinne, but the Spirit is life for righteousnesse sake. So that whosoeuer feeleth himselfe dead to sinne, and aliue to righteousnesse, and to hauehave such other vertues, as wherewith the Spirit of Christ, endueth them in whom he doth dwell: such a one may vndoubtedly be assured, that he is in the number of Gods elect, and without all danger of condemnation.Rom. 8.1.
This alwayes withall, being duely obserued that in this certainety & assurance of election, (whereof we speake) wee exclude not that kinde of doubting, which oftentimes ariseth in Gods Children, through the infirmity of their nature, and through the sight & consideration of their sinnes: but that wilfull doctrine, and resolution of doubting, for which the Papists contend and striue;
It being most sure and certaine, that Reason 2 there can bee no greater torment to a tender conscience, then to stand in doubt of Gods fauour and louelove. For he that doubteth of Gods louelove towards him, cannot louelove God againe. And when a man hath not the louelove of God in him, hee hath no grace, and his conscience must needs bee defiled; yea, he must needs bee a wicked man. And this saying of Salomon, Prou. 28.Prou. 28.1. belongs vntounto him: The wicked flyeth, when no man pursueth him (meaning through the guiltinesse of his conscience) but the godly is bold as a Lyon. Indeed, when we looke vponupon our selues, and examine our manifold infirmities, and goings astray, we shall see sufficient cause to stand in doubt: but looking withall vponupon Gods promises of grace and mercy in Christ Iesus, and vponupon the fruits and effects of his Spirit of sanctification in our hearts: in, and by them, wee shall hauehave sufficient cause to bee cleerely resolued, and out of all doubt. Whosoeuer (I say) thus feeles this gracious worke of the holy Spirit of God in him. Such a one need not be discouraged in regard of his infirmities, and manifold transgressions: as hauing sufficient matter in himselfe, to answere all obiections of the World, the Flesh, and the Diuell; as also for true peace of conscience, ioy in the Holy Ghost, assurance of Gods louelove, and of eternall life.
Ob.But now by the way, if it be demanded whether this assurance and certainty of saluation doe not make the Elect children of God, idle, carelesse, and vnprofitable in the matters of Gods glory, and of their owne saluation?
Sol.The Papists indeed doe thus alledge, calling this doctrine of Gods frée grace, in election, and iustification, (but most wickedly) a doctrine of liberty, and which openeth a wide gappe and window to all Reason 3 manner of sinne and licentiousnesse: But that it is a blasphemous slander, hauing no countenance or likelihood of truth in it, but altogether false and erroneous; it is hereby manifest, because the same spirit, which is the Spirit of Faith, and perswadeth our consciences to beléeue the great goodnes and mercy of God in our election and free iustification, is also the spirit of louelove, and doth inflame our hearts, to louelove so gracious, and so mercifull a God, as vouchsafed without all respect of any worthinesse or deserts, as either was, or could bee in vsus, to deale so graciously and louingly with vsus. Now then, if by the motion of one and the same Spirit, we doe by faith assuredly know Gods goodnesse towards vsus in Christ Iesus, and by the knowledge, and true sence thereof, do louelove him vnfainedly for the same: needs must there follow obedience to his commandements, and a perpetuall study to serue and please him. The assurance of election, and saluation then, (as wee see) makes not Gods Children secure & carelesse, but breeds in them a louelove of God; and louelove bringeth forth obedience to his will. For if any man louelove mee (saith Christ Ioh. 14.Ioh. 14.23.) he will keepe my Word.
Secondly, the selfesame doctrine of the Gospell, that teacheth vsus, that by Gods free grace, and méere mercy in Christ Iesus we are elected, and made heires of saluation.Tit. 2.11.12. Ephes. 2.10. Luke 1.74.75. The selfesame doctrine doth also teach vsus, that the end of this speciall grace and fauour is, that we should glorifie God in our mortall bodies, so much the more, and not bee slaues and seruants vntounto sin: the wages & recompence whereof, is eternall death and condemnation.
Now to proceede to the third Branch. The Spirit of Christ (as you hauehave heard) doth beare witnesse of election, by working in the Elect true repentance,Rom. 6.23. and by framing their hearts to beleeue, and obey according to the will and Word of God.
Of Repentance.
True repentance may thus be defined.
It is an vnfained turning of the whole man, from all sinne vntounto God.
That repentance is a turning, the Scripture sheweth in many places.
Esay 9.13. Hosea 6 1. cha. 14.2.Now I call it an vnfained turning, because there is a kinde of repentance and turning vntounto God, which is fained, hypocriticall, counterfet: Such as was the repentance of Cain, Esau, Pharao, Iudas: And (I say) it must bee of the whole man,Ier. 4 1. that is, both of soule and body, in eueryevery part and faculty thereof,Ioel 2.12. Acts 26.20 because to turne in one part, and not in another, will not serue the turne. There must bee a change of the heart,Mat. 12.35 Deut. 6.5. Mat. 16.24 and a reformation of the whole life, or else there is no true repentance. And as this turning must bee a turning of the whole man; so also from all sinne: not from some speciall sinne, or from some few, but from all. and eueryevery one Knowing, that the least sin that is, deserueth death, and is most odious, and loathsome before the face of God.Psal 51.5, 9 The which turning of the whole man from all sinne, must bee with godly sorrow, arising from a serious sence and consideration of sinne,Psal. 130.3. (as it is sinne) and with a settled …esolution (through the grace of Gods Spirit,Rom. 7.24.) not to sinne any more, but to forsake, and detest all sinne for the time to come.
And lastly, as to be truly repentant, wee must thus vnfaynedly in the whole man turne from all sinne, so must our turning be vntounto GOD, with a penitent acknowledging and confession of all transgressions, with an hearty desire after merciemercy and forgiuenes, & with ioy and chéerefulnes of spirit, arising from the assurance of Gods louelove and fauour in Christ: desiring inwardly in our hearts,Psal. 51.12. and endeuouring outwardly in the whole course of our conuersation, to frame our liues according to his holy Word.
Luke 19.6, 8.This I take to be a sound (if not a full) definition and description of repentance: of the particular parts & branches whereof, I cannot now stand to entreate, eueryevery of them requiring a large discourse, and I hauehave often had occasion to remember them at other times.
In this place, it will be sufficient, if I make it appeare that true repentance is a speciall worke of Gods grace, and blessed Spirit, and that it is proper only to Gods elect.
That it is a speciall worke of Gods grace, it is expresly proued, Ier. 31.Ier. 31.18. where the Church of God, vnderunder the title of Ephraim, acknowledgeth God to be the Authour of her conuersion, saying, Conuert thou me, and I shall be conuerted, for thou art the Lord my God. And it is apparant also, Acts 5.Acts 5.31. where the Apostle Peter saith of our Lord Iesus Christ, that God hath lift him vp with his right hand to bee a Prince and a Sauiour, to giuegive repentance to Israel, and forgiuenesse of sinnes. And in chap. 11. it is recorded,Acts 11.13. that when the Church, and people of GOD, had heard from Peter what great mercy GOD had shewed to the Gentiles, they glorified God, saying, Then hath God to the Gentiles granted repentance vntounto life. And herevpon also it is, that the Apostle Paul thus speaketh to Timothy, 2. Tim. 2.2. Tim. 2.25, 26. Instructing them with meekenesse, that are contrary minded, prouing if God at any time will giuegive them repentance, &c. And not without Reason 4 good reason is repentance said to be the gift of God, and a speciall work and grace of his Spirit, because the conuersion of the heart, and inward man, is as great a worke as the creation of it: As an infinite power is required to create, so also to a true conuersion and changing of the corrupt and naturall affections.
Againe, as no man can raise vp a dead Reason 5 body, nor quicken himselfe, but it must be the voyce of Christ (as Ioh. 5.Ioh. 5.28.) so must it be onelyonly God, that must conuert the heart, and worke repentance in it: All being by nature dead in trespasses and sinnes, as we hauehave already learned out of Eph. 2.Eph. 2.1. and Col. 2.Col. 2.13. And if it be demanded, why God doth then in so many places exhort men to repentance, if they hauehave no power therevnto in themselues? The answere is cleare: that the Lord doth not exact repentance at our hands, as if it lay in our owne power: but that considering by such commandements and exhortations, the great necessity of repentance, and our own great weaknesse, and inability hereunto, wee should be stirred vp with so much the more zeale and feruencie, to craue this speciall grace at his hands.
To make it plain also in the next place, that only Gods elect can truly repent and turne to GOD: this is proued, Esay 59.Esay 59.20. where the Lord promiseth the Redeemer onelyonly vntounto them that turne from iniquity in Iacob: So, that they only, for whom Christ dyed, can repent. And not without good reasons is true repentance proper to Gods elect.
Reason 6 As first, because repentance and remission of sinnes are necessary consequents,Luke 24 47. the one of the other: for he that truly repenteth, shall hauehave remission of sinnes, and such as hauehave remission of sins, doe truly repent. Now, remission of sins belongs onelyonly to Gods elect: therefore in like manner doth also repentance. Reason 7
Secondly because true repentance, the grace of regeneration, and true faith, euer goe together, and are inseparable. Now if true faith, and the graces of regeneration and sanctification, be proper onelyonly to the elect: it followeth, that none but they are likewise capable of this benefit of repentance. Reason 8
Againe, repentance in this life, and saluation in the life to come, are necessary consequents one of another (for whosoeuer repenteth, shall be saued, and whosoeuer shall be saued, doth repent:) but saluation is onelyonly of the elect, theref…re is repentance also proper vntounto them. And if hereupon it be demanded, why repentance is then preached to all, without exception, whether elect or reprobate? I answere, because, as the preaching of the Gospell is the meanes for the repentance and conuersion of the elect: so also to make the wicked altogether without excuse, all pretence of ignorance being by this meanes vtterly taken from them.
Of the Faith of Gods Elect.
In the next place followeth the consideration of faith, which the Holy Ghost settles in the hearts of Gods elect, and whereby also hee assureth them of their election. For (as you hauehave heard,) the Holy Ghost not onelyonly worketh in the elect, true repentance (for the sealing of their assurance,) but also frameth their hearts to beleeue, &c.
That to beleeue aright, is a special gift and grace of God, proper onelyonly to such as are elected, and settled in their hearts by the Spirit of God, we hauehave already seen… at large in Question 13. Now it remaineth onelyonly to be obserued, that the holy Ghost frameth the hearts of Gods elect, to beleeue no otherwise, then according to the will and Word of God, as Rom. 10.Rom. 10.17 Faith commeth by hearing, hearing by the Word of God. The Word of God (I say) is so the foundation of that faith and beliefe, which the holy Ghost frameth, that if it be taken away, there will remaine no true faith, but a certaine lightnesse of beliefe, and a wandring error of the minds.
Reason 9 And the reason is cleare, because faith must be so grounded, as that it may abide inuincible, and certaine against all the engines of hell and death, and in the middest of all the temptations of the world, the flesh, and the deuill; the which certainty, and sure ground-worke, is no where else to be found, but onelyonly in Gods Word. So that to be assured of election, it is not enough to say, I beleeue in God, or I beleeue in Christ: but thou must beleeue in God, and in Christ, as the Word, and Gospell of Christ hath prescribed, and teacheth thee to beleeue. Hereby (I say) thou shalt know, whether the faith which thou hast, be a true faith, and whether the holy Ghost hath framed thy heart to beleeue, or no. For assure thy selfe, and be out of doubt, if the faith which is in thee, be not grounded vponupon the Word & Gospell of Christ, if thou beleeue any otherwise then the Word, and Gospel of Christ doth prescribe and teach; thy beliefe is no witnesse of thy election, it is no true faith, it was neuer planted in thy heart by the holy Ghost. For there is euermore such a mutuall relation of faith to the Word of God, as that a true faith can be no more seuered from the Word, then the Sunne-beames from the Sunne: Yea, true faith hangeth vponupon the Word of God alone, hath respect vntounto, and wholly resteth thereupon. The Word and doctrine of a mortall man, may fill and satisfie the eares, but it can neuer establish any true faith in the heart of him that heareth the same, nor confirme the minde in any quiet hope of eternall life. To doe this, is the proper office onelyonly of Gods Word, accompanied with the ioynt assistance of Gods Spirit. For otherwise, Paul may plant, and Apollo may water, the Minister may preach, & apply the Word, and yet hauehave no good effect, either of faith, or of any other sauing or sanctifying grace ensuing vponupon his labour.
Of the obedience of Gods elect.
Exod. 20.12.As he alone is a good child, that is duly obedient to the lawfull commandements of his Parents;Col. 3.22. hee onelyonly a good seruant, that serueth his Master, not with eye seruice, but in singlenesse of heart; and hee onelyonly a true and faithfull Subiect,Rom. 13.1. which yeeldeth himselfe obedient, and conformable to the godly lawes, and commandements of his naturall Prince and Gouernour: euen so are such onelyonly, and none but such worthy the name, and account of Gods elect and chosen Saints, to whom belongeth the inheritance of eternall life, who are religiously obedient, and conformable to the holy will and commandements of the Lord God;
Obedience to the will and Word of Reason 10 God, being more acceptable then sacrifice, as also much more due, and of right belonging vntounto him, then vntounto any Parent, then vntounto any Master, then vntounto any Prince or Potentate whatsoeuer. Not without great cause therfore is the Scripture very plentifull, not onelyonly in setting forth the commendation of the godly, in regard of their obedience, and in exhorting vsus vntounto the like,2. Pet. 1.10. for the making sure of our calling and election; but in describing also the examples of the disobedient, and the curse & wrath of God vponupon them for their disobedience, whereby we might the more effectually be terrified from the same. As the example of Noah his obedience, Gen. 6. of Abraham, recorded to his high praise, Gen. 22. Gen. 6.22. chap. 22.10.and Heb. 11. Heb. 11.17.Of Moses and Aaron, Exod. 7. Exod. 7 6.Of the Rechabites in obeying the commandement of their father Ionadab, recorded to their high commendation, Ier. 35. Ier. 35.6. &c.Of the Israelites, Numb 1. Num 1.54.and Iosh. 1. Iosh. 1.16.And especially of our Lord Iesus Christ himselfe, and of his Apostles, as many particulars might be remembred. Heereunto appertaine also many notable exhortations and sentences in holy Scriptures, as that Heb. 10. Heb. 10.5, 6, &c.out of Psal. 40. Psa. 40.6, 7.that of Samuel to Saul, 1. Sam. 15. 1. Sam. 15.22.Also Rom. 6 Rom. 6.13.and cha. 1. and 4. of S. Iames. Examples of disobedience in wicked and vngodly reprobates, we hauehave in Saul, Cain, Pharao, and in many other.
Iam. 1.22. &c. chap. 4.7.But this being plaine, it remayneth to consider, that the obedience of Gods elect, to the will and commandements of the Lord, is a fruit of Christs Spirit in their hearts. For we of our selues are vtterly vnapt, and vnable to any good thing. Reason 11 And therefore thus prayeth Dauid vntounto God, Psal. 143. Psa. 143.10Let thy good Spirit leade mee vntounto the land of righteousnesse. And Gal. 5. Gal. 5.16.Walke in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lusts of the flesh. That the Spirit of God (I say) is the principall, and efficient cause of this new obedience in Gods elect: yea, and so, as without the gracious worke, and assistance of the same Spirit, neither the preaching of the Gospell, nor any other meanes whatsoeuer, are any thing powerfull, or auaileable to worke and effect it: this is further confirmed by the words of the Apostle, Rom. 15. where hee attributeth the comfortable effects of his office and ministery, in the obedience of the Gentiles, to the holy Spirit of God,Rom. 15 19 without the which all outward helpes would hauehave beene altogether vnprofitable, and so as they should neuerthelesse hauehave remayned so ouerwhelmed in their naturall corruption, as not to doe any thing holily and purely before the Lord. From the Spirit of God proceedeth that righteousnes, sanctification, and holinesse, without which no man shall see the Lord, as Heb. 12. Heb. 12.14.true peace of conscience, and perfect ioy in the holy Ghost, all good counsels, all pure desires, and godly purposes. For although it be left in our power (inasmuch as wee are the Lords reasonable creatures) to will this, or that thing, to reason vponupon this or that question, to thinke vponupon this or that matter, and to doe this or that worke: yet to will, to reason, to thinke, speake, or doe any thing at all, in such sort as the Lord requireth of his chosen children, and so as the manner of performance may be acceptably receiued in Christ, as sincere obedience vntounto God. This proceedeth not from flesh and bloud, neither from the will of man, or of any other creature in heauen, or in earth, but onelyonly from the most comfortable Spirit of our regeneration, whose peculiar office is to begin, continue, and finish in the children of God, these notable graces, and effects, to the glory of God, and to their eternall comfort and consolation. So teacheth the Apostle, Phil. 2. where after he hath charged the faithfull to work their saluation in feare and trembling: he presently addeth,Phil. 2.12.13. saying, For it is GOD that worketh in you both the will and the deed, euen of his …d pleasure. Which is a most strong and forcible reason, to worke in vsus a reuerend feare, and trembling, vnderunder the mighty h… of God, because, that although we had power to will, and to work in eueryevery part and branch of that obedience which God requireth, yet the changing of our will to the acceptable performance of any thing in the sight of GOD, proceedeth onelyonly from the holy Ghost. Yea, and so, that all such workes are carnall, earthly and deuillish, and but an hypocriticall shew of obedience, (in no measure at all pleasing God, what shew soeuer it make in the sight of men) which is either settled in the heart, or appeareth in the life or conuersation of any, without the gracious working of the holy Ghost.
And now to make some vse of these particular Vse 1 branches: First, is it so, that God, before the foundation of the world, hath elected a certaine number to life and saluation? Let vsus then examine our selues whether wee be of this number. If wee féele the Spirit of God preuailing in vsus against the corrupt lusts, and motions of the flesh, and so as notwithstanding the manifold temptations of the world, the flesh and the deuill, wee first seeke Gods Kingdome, and the righteousnes thereof, and labour more for the meate that endureth to eternall life, then for that which perisheth: If we be religiously carefull to make the Word of God the Lanthorne for our féete, and a light for our pathes, and so as we grow in knowledge, faith, repentance, zeale of Gods glory, &c. according to such wholsome doctrines, and exhortations as are taught and deliuered: If we be separated from the wicked, and vngodly of the world, and so as wee runne not with them to the wayes of sinne: If we perceiue our selues to be sanctified in all the parts and powers of our soules and bodies, to serue and obey the Lord with true zeale, and feruency of Spirit, according to the rule of his Word. These, and such like, are infallible testimonies of the grace of election, and that wee doe vndoubtedly belong to eternall life. Whereas on the contrary, if wee feele not these, nor any of them in any good measure, our estate is wretched and most miserable, what faire shew soeuer we may carry of a blessed condition in the view of the world. The deuill will suffer any man to say, that he is one of Gods elect, that his sinnes are forgiuen him, and that he hopeth to be saued: but wouldest thou come to the certainty of this indeede, and hauehave such a proofe of it, as may silence the deuill himselfe standing against it? Looke then to the holinesse of thy heart and life, according to these few particulars; and if thou be able from thence, to inferre, and conclude thy election; then surely thou art a happy man, and mayst minister such sound comfort to thy selfe at all times, as will neuer deceiue thee. By the workes of sanctification (I say) make thy election sure, as the Apostle Peter counselleth thée, 2. Epist. chap. 1. and make an end of thy saluation in feare and trembling,2. Pet. 1.10. as the Apostle Paul doth aduise thee, Phil. 2. Phil. 2.12.And nothing shall be able to separate thee from the louelove of God.
Hereby also wee may make triall whether Vse 2 we hauehave the Spirit of Christ: For whosoeuer is elected, hee hath the Spirit of Christ, as I hauehave shewed before: And the Spirit of Christ is neuer idle in those in whom he abideth, but beares witnesse with their Spirits, of their vndoubted election by these, and such like effects. And for the further confirmation of this assurance, let this be noted, that wheresoeuer the holy Ghost dwelleth and abideth, there will he be Lord, gouerning both the heart, minde, will and affections, by repressing all bad motions vntounto sinne, and by stirring vp good motions, and good affections, vponupon eueryevery occasion: whereupon saith the Apostle, Rom. 8. Rom. 8.that as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the Sonnes of God. It makes a man to dislike of sinne, because it is sinne, and to hauehave a hungry desire, especially, and aboue all things, to be at peace and vnity with God through Christ Iesus, for the free forgiuenesse of all their sinnes. And finally, it maketh all such as are endued with it, to grow & flou ish as a greene Garden, and as a tree planted by the riuers of waters, in all the graces of sanctification, not only for their owne peculiar good, and the sure sealing of their owne saluation, but also for the good, and saluation of others, according to eueryevery mans place and calling, and the diuers occasions that are offered. He, that thus feeles the working of Gods Spirit, the same Spirit doth beare witnesse with his spirit, that hee is without all question, the elect child of God.
Vse 3 Hauing a cōfortable assurance, through the witnesse of Gods Spirit in our hearts (vponupon this examination) that wee are in the number of Gods elect. Wee must take heede, as we tender the glory of God, and our owne saluation, that we be so far from taking occasion, or encouragement thereby, to sleepe in sinne and security, as if all should be well with vsus, howsoeuer we behaue our selues; as cleane contrariwise to become inflamed, with so much the more feruent zeale, to glorifie GOD in the fruites of the Spirit, according to the vttermost of that measure of gifts and grace, which we hauehave receiued.
Fourthly, seeing the holy Spirit of God workes true repentance in all Gods elect, let vsus examine also how it is with vsus in this particular. If we be vnfaynedty in eueryevery part, and faculty of both soule and body, turned from all sinne, not from one sinne, or from some fewe, but from all and eueryevery one, and that with godly sorrow, arising from a serious sence and consideration of sinne, and with a settled resolution (through the grace of Gods Spirit) not to sinne any more, but to forsake all sinne for the time to come: And if being thus vnfainedly in the whole man turned from all sinne, wee turne therein vntounto God, with a penitent acknowledging of all transgressions, with an hearty desire of mercy, and forgiuenesse, with ioy and cheerefulnesse of Spirit, arising from the assurance of Gods louelove and fauour in Christ; and with a desire and indeuour inwardly in our hearts, and outwardly in our bodies, to frame our liues according to the will and Word of God: These are infallible testimonies of true repentance, wrought in vsus by the Spirit of God; yea, of that true & vnfained repentance, which belongeth onelyonly to Gods Elect. Whereas on the contrary, if wee cannot finde, and feele these things in any good measure begunne in vsus, we cannot possibly hauehave this assurance.
Vse 5 Againe, séeing true repentance is a speciall worke of Gods grace, and only Gods elect can truely repent: then most wretchedly, and miserably do all such deceiue themselues, who perswade their owne hearts, that they can repent them of their sinnes, and be reconciled to God for them when they thinke good. As many such there are, who will not sticke to say of themselues, and of others, that it is yet too soone for them to repent, too soone for them to giuegive ouer their vaine pleasures, & carnall delights, that they may repent time inough hereafter, and when they are old, &c. Indéed, the Scripture saith in diuers places, that God will forgiue such as are truely humbled, and cast downe with remorse and sorrow, in regard of their sins, when, and at what time so euer they doe repent. And hereupon doe many take incouragement to liue as they list; nothing fearing, but to make al good by repentance at the last. And no doubt, if they do truely repent at the last cast, all will be well with them indéed, how loosely soeuer they hauehave liued before. But it must be obserued, that God, who promiseth forgiuenes to eueryevery one that repenteth, doth not promise repentance to eueryevery one that sinneth. Repentance is the gift of God: and such as harden their hearts against it, when God in mercy doth call them vntounto it, (as hee calleth dayly in the ministery, and preaching of the Gospell,) when such men would, they cannot repent, as the Apostle sheweth, Ro. 2. Rom. 2.5.And if there be no repentance, then all lamentation, and teares that can procéede from such a one, are vtterly in vaine, as it is said of Esau, Heb. 12. Heb. 12.17.that he found no place to repentance, though hee sought the blessing with teares. The Sacraments also, though they bee seales and pledges of Gods louelove & fauour in Christ, are to such men vtterly vneffectuall. God will neither heare their own prayers, nor the prayers of any other, that pray and beseech him in their behalfe, as Ioh. 9. Psal. 66. and Ier. 7.Ioh. 9.31. Psal. 66.18. Ier. 7.16.
Furthermore, if there be such a mutuall Vse 6 relation of Faith to the Word of God, then it followeth: First, that no other doctrine, but onelyonly the pure doctrine of Gods Word, must bee preached to the people of God, by all the faithfull Ministers of Iesus Christ; such as teach, and preach otherwise, being guilty euen of murthering and destroying such as heare and regard them, in causing them to build their faith and hope vponupon errours, and lyes: for it is no better then very errors, & lies, whatsoeuer is repugnant, or in any measure swarueth from the pure simplicity of Gods Word, dangerous to the saluation of all such as rely and rest vponupon it. And therefore 1. Pet. 4. 1. Pet. 4.11.If any man speake, let him speak as the words of God. And Esay 8. Esay 8.20.To the Law, & to the Testimony, if they speak not according to this rule, it is because there is no light in them. For this cause also are the Ministers and preachers of the Gospell, termed the Messengers and Ambassadors of the Lord: as 2. Cor. 5. 2. Cor. 5.20.as not comming in their own names, nor hauing commission to deliuer any thing of their owne deuising; but simply and directly to doe the will of him that sent them: and to teach that alone, which he hath prescribed and commanded. And therfore also, 1. Thes. 2. 1. Thes. 2.13When ye receiued of vsus the Word of the preaching of God, ye receiued it not as the word of men, but as it is indeed the Word of God.
Secondly, the people must also learne Vse 7 hereby, to try all things, and to keepe that which is good, that so their faith may bee grounded, not vponupon the sand of mens deuices: but onelyonly vponupon the Rocke Christ Iesus, as Act. 17. and 1. Ioh. 4.Acts 17.11. 1. Ioh. 4.1.
Last of all: seeing the Spirit of God Vse 8 seales the assurance of our election, by framing our hearts to an holy obedience: Nay, seeing this is the very end of our election, that we should be holy, and without blame before him in louelove, as the Apostle teacheth, Ephes. 1. Ephes. 1.4.Let vsus therefore in the feare of God, (for the sound peace and ioy of our soules in this behalfe,) be exhorted and incouraged to obedience: and on the other side disswaded, and terrified from disobedience: exhorted, and encouraged (I say) to the one, by the examples of the godly, whose praise for their obedience, is so plentifully recorded in the Scripture, by the louing exhortations of the Apostles, and by the sweet promises, and experiences of the Lords liberall kindnes vntounto such as either hauehave beene, or shall bee faithfully obedient vntounto his holy will; as also terrified from disobedience, by the fearefull examples and threatnings of Gods iudgements, vponupon the children of disobedience. And to make our obedience the more acceptable vntounto God, these thrée things are necessarily required: First, that it be exercised in the kéeping of eueryevery commandement of God. For as Saint Iames saith,Iam. 2.10. chap. 2. He that breaketh one commandement, is guilty of all. Secondly, the whole man must endeuour to keepe the whole Law, in his minde, will, affections, and in all the faculties of both soule and body. As it is said of Iosias, 2. King. 13. 2. King. 13.25.that he turned to God, according to all the Law of Moses, with all his heart. And thirdly, we must be duely mindfull to pray, and beseech the Lord, to vouchsafe vsus the sanctifying grace of his holy spirit, frō whose supernaturall working all our desire, and indeuour (to performe acceptable obedience vntounto God) must proceed, and without whose gracious assistance, it is vnpossible to doe any thing pleasing him.