2. Again, the next note or occasion of discovery may be taken from the instrument or means by which God hath called us, namely, the word : 2 Tlies. 14, ' By my gospel' Oracles and audible voices are not his usual course. Some Christians talk of such things, but, to say tlie least of the mistake, they are but the suppositions of an over- troubled fancy, delusions which God, who bringeth light out of dark- ness, may at length order for good, and in the wisdom of his provi- dence make use of them to bring off his people from their discourage- ments.2 But usually God's way of calling is by the word, and most usually by the word preached, seldom otherwise ; for God loveth to own and honour the means of his own appointing with a blessing. I suppose scarce an instance can be given of any converted by reading or meditation that neglected prophesying where it was to be had. I confess the word may not work always in time of hearing. There is a notable instance, Cant. v. 6, ' My soul failed when he spake ; ' or rather, it may be rendered, ' because of his speech.' Now compare it with the time of Christ's visit, ver. 2, 3, ' Open, my sister, my dove,' &c. While Christ was speaking she is careless and sluggish, ' I have put off my coat ; how shall I put it on ? ' You see her heart was far from failing then ; but when she remembered it afterward, then her bowels were tronbled. As Peter also was wrought upon by the re- membrance of Christ's words a great while after they were spoken, Mat. xxvi. 75. Thus many times God reviveth old truths, and maketh them effectual long after the time of delivery. The word worketh, then, either in the hearing or in the remembrance or deep meditation upon it. Well now, can you remember such an experi-
^ ' T6 /xt; Suvarov dWws ex^i-v, dXX' oOrws ws 7]ixds \iyoixev.' — Arist. ^ I suppose Austin's Tolle et L&je was of this nature.
VeR. 1.] UPON THE EPISTLE OF JUDE. 23
ence when God called you by his word, and ' spake comfortably to your hearts ? ' Did he ever move you to go aside into the closet, that you might be solitary and serious, and consider of your condition? Usually at our first call we are moved to go aside, that God and we may confer in private ; as Hosea ii. 14, ' God calleth into the wilder- ness, that he may speak to the heart.' And Ezekiel was called ' into the field,' that God might more freely talk with him : Ezek. iii. 22, ' Arise, go forth into the plain, that there I may talk with thee.' So Cant. vii. 11, 'Come, my beloved, let us go forth into the fields,' &c. Usually his first motions are to go aside and consider. Christ is bash- ful before acquaintance, and doth not speak to us in company, but in private. Did he ever thus invite you into secret places ? did he ever call thee by name, speak so expressly to thy case, as if he had said, Here is mercy for thee, comfort for thee ; here is thy portion ? First or last God's children have such experiences. There is a ' time of loves,' Ezek. xvi. 6, 7, which they cannot forget ; at least a time wherein ' the master of the assemblies' fastened a nail in their hearts. God's people are wont to talk how seasonably and yet how strangely providence cast them upon such opportunities ; as David, Ps. cxix. 93, ' I shall never forget thy precepts, for by them thou hast quickened me.' Oh ! I shall never forget such an ordinance, such a sermon, wherein the Lord was pleased to take notice of me, and to speak to my heart. Weak impressions are soon razed out, but powerful effects of the word leave a durable mark and character that cannot be defaced. • 3. The next mark may be taken from the formal answer or corre- spondent act of the creature to the call of God, for that is it which sealelh our election ; for otherwise ' many be called,' but they are ' not chosen,' unless the heart be prevailed with to obey the call. Yea, the notion of vocation in its full latitude implieth not only God's act, but ours, our answer to his call : ' Christ's sheep hear his voice.' When Christ saith, ' Mary,' she answereth, ' Eabboni,' my Lord, John xx. 16. God's call is the offer of grace, our answer is the accepting of grace ofi'ered ; there must be receiving as well as offering ; vocation is not effectual unless it end in union ; it is receiving that giveth us interest, John i. 12. The scriptures do everywhere imply and signify this answerable act of the creature to the call of God. God saith, ' Seek ye my face,' and the soul, like a quick echo, ' Thy face, Lord, will I seek,' Ps. xxvii. 8. So Jer. iii. 22, ' Keturn, ye backsliding children, and I will heal you ; ' and then, ' Behold, we come unto thee, for thou art the Lord our God.' The soul is enabled to do that which it is exhorted to do. God saith. Come to Christ, and the soul saith, Lord, I come. Well, then, is the call obeyed ? do you receive Christ for your Lord and Saviour ? The proj)er answer of the call is the con- sent and full purpose of the heart to take Christ ; for offering is the call, and receiving is the answer. Have you subscribed and consented to take Christ upon his own terms ? as the prophet, when he was to take a wife, maketh an offer, Hosea iii., * I will be for thee, and thou shalt be for me.' Are you content ? Christ will be for you in all his graces, merits, benefits, if you will be for him in all your motions, tendencies, aims. Alas ! your hearts know that you are for yourselves, lusts, interests, &c.