ROM. 8. 30.
THe next thing considerable, that will further explain the nature of this Calling, is the Terminus a quo, and Adquem: And this is manifold.1
First therefore, Gods calling is from a state of blindeness and ignorance, into marvellous and wonderful light: As if a man in a dark dungeon, where there was not the least beam of light, should be called out of that to the glorious Sun: Ye were once darkness, but now are ye light, saith the Apostle, Ephes. 5. 8. yea, its called Marvellous light, 1 Pet. 2. 9. for the wonderful glory and excellency of it: A man without this holy calling, is like hell it self, a place of utter darkness. Now the call of God brings a twofold light with it, as you heard; one external, inlightning all without us; and the other internal, inlightning the minde and soul of a man.
In darkness there is, first, Danger of stumbling and fall; a man knoweth not where he goeth: Thus, while not effectually called, men are ready to fall into hell every step they take; they see not the hell that is open to devour them, they do they know not what. And
Secondly, In darkness There is great uncomfortableness: The Scripture expresseth misery, and gloomy calamities, under the name of Darkness; and certainly the life of every unconverted man, is a very uncomfortable life; for though he may have carnal, transient pleasures, like the blaze of thorns, yet he hath no induring joy: The very name of death and a day of judgement, is like Belshazzars Hand-writing on the wall to him, it puts him into trembling and quaking: But this effectual calling of God, hath the contrary to these, its directive to a mans steps; he knoweth how to live, how to dye; he knoweth how to abound, how to want: The word of God being his Counsellor, giveth him wise, safe, and holy counsel; and hereupon he is never confounded, he is never fallen into the pit, unless when he forsakes this light: And then for the second effect of comfort, they are called To rejoyce, and again to rejoyce, Phil. 3. 1. they are called To peace with God, Phil 4. 4. to serenity in their own consciences, like the upper Religion that is not disturbed by any Meteors; insomuch, that it is both a sin, and a great dishonor unto our holy calling, for a godly man to live in discouragements and dejections: Its as if there were not that comfort, that happiness, that joy in possessing of God, as the Scripture informs us.
Secondly, We are called from a way of prophaneness and ungodliness, to live2 pure and holy lives: Thus the Apostle, God hath not called us to uncleanness, but unto holiness, 1 Thess. 4. 7. By Uncleanness, he means any gross sins; insomuch, that none can conclude he is partaker of this Divine Calling, that still walloweth in the filthy lusts of sin. Oh then what terror should this strike into every prophane man! If I am thus ungodly, I am not effectually called; if not called, I cannot be justified, I cannot be glorified: How then dare I live as I do? hath God called me to live like a beast? is it not said, That we are Saints by calling, not wicked and ungodly by calling? Oh shame and confound thy soul; saying, Where hath God called thee to lye, to swear, to be proud, covetous? it cannot be lamented enough, to see how Christians forget the nature of their Holy Calling: Fasten and fix this meditation upon your hearts; how doth this wickedness and dissoluteness of mine, consist with my calling? The Apostle exhorts, That they would walk worthy of their vocation, Ephes. 4. 1. do actions beseeming such an holy, heavenly priviledge; therefore thou shouldst always reflect on thy self, saying, How doth this agree with my calling? how doth this become my calling? A man grown up to years, will not still use his childish tricks, he saith, it becomes not his gravity; how much rather mayest thou say, Such follies, lusts, do not become my Christianity? This is to make my self a monster, and spiritually deformed.
Thirdly, Gods call is from all our former ways of idolatry, superstition, or false3 worship, to the pure and commanded worship of God: All men by nature are said To walk according to the course of this world, Ephes. 2. 2. but the godly are converted from serving their dumb Idols: Thus Abraham, God calls him from his own Land, a place of idolatry, to serve him. Gods people are called To come out of Egypt and Babylon, that they might worship him according to his own way: The Churches name is Ecclesia, A company called together to serve and worship God; now who shall prescribe that worship, but God himself? not the servants, but the master of the house, must set down the orders to be kept therein; so that the pure and spiritual worshipping of God, is one main end of our calling; for God would have a select company out of the world, who should own him, give up themselves to him, and glorifie him, which is manifestly done by a sincere, pure worshipping of him: Its strange therefore that people should be no more inquisitive about Gods pure worship, wherein it consists; not to dote upon, or affect customs and traditions of worship, but to look for the institution and command of God.