[7.] For ordinary callings then we are called by God ; when God giveth ability and inclination, and openeth a fair passage in his pro- vidence, that is to be looked upon as a call. Inclination there must be, that we may be fit for our calling, and our calling fit for us ; otherwise we are like a member out of joint, out of our place and way. If we be at our own disposal this must be observed ; if not, parents and those that have the disposal of us, must observe it ; they must consider the child's inclination, using prayer, calling in the advice of others. It is the weightiest afi'air of life ; much is to be known by children's inclin- ations. The Athenians would set before their children, the trowel, the shovel, a sword, and a book, that they might choose their calling. As Nazianzen tells us, Athanasius acted the part of a bishop when a boy, which being observed by Alexander, bishop of Alexandria, he brought him up for the ministry. And Origen would be often asking his father, Leonides, concerning such and such places of scripture. Much of God's pleasure is seen in their inclinations, which if parents observe not, mischief follows — sometimes to the church, sometimes to the children themselves. And abilities and gifts must be observed both by the parent and by themselves when we come to maturity, and to choose our own way : Prov. xvi. 20, ' He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good.' And then providence is to be observed in the designment of education, and the advantages which God oflereth for the choice of our course of life. Take all together, and it maketh a call for ordinary ofiices of life ; otherwise, as great mischiefs arise, as if a man should walk with his hands and work with his feet.
SEPvMOX XLL
By faith Abraham, when he uri-s called to go out into a place ivhich he should after receive for an inheritance, oheyed and he went out, not knowing ichither he icent. — Heb. xi. 8.
2. How to behave otirselves in this calling, that we may, as Abraham did, manifest the obedience of faith.
[1.] Where you see God before you, you must cheerfully follow after. If you see God calling you to the ministry, magistracy, or any inferior course of life, therein doth he expect glory from you ; and for that end did he give you gifts, an account of which you must render at the last
^ See this more fully handled in the sermons on John xvii. 13.
238 SERMONS UPON HEBREWS XI. [SeR. XLI.
dny. "We are apt to dispute •with God, and to consult with our natural aliections : E^^od. iv. 13, ' Send I pray thee, by the hand of him, whom thou wilt seud.' By giits, by special instinct, by, the invitation of pro- vidence, by the call of the church and state, God hath declared his pleasure ; and then sit down, count the chai'ges, and put thy hand to the plough. Though it may be otherwise you might have a more quiet and a more splendid and plentiful course of life ; yet this is the v.'ay God calleth you to ; as here Abraham obeyed, and went forth.
[2.] Confine your endeavom-s within this calling, and keep within the bounds of it. If you do anything that is not within the compass of your calling, you can have no warrant that it jDleaseth God. Christ would not intermeddle out of his calling : Luke xii. 14, ' Man, who made me a judge, or a divider over you ? ' Uzziah's putting his hand to the ark cost him dear. If troubles arise, we cannot suffer them com- fortably ; we are out of God's way. Mischiefs abroad come from invading callings, as tumults and confusions in nature, when elements are out of their places. Never do I look for peace and establishment till all things run in theu' own proper channels. Pax est tranquillitas orcUnis, is a true description of external peace. Callings are not to be invaded by the magistrate, or the people. So Acts x, the angel appeareth to Cornelius : but he bids him send to Peter, to preacli to him, and settle him in the faith. Why doth he not teach him him- self ? No ; his commission was only to bring a message from God, not to preach the gospel. The magistrates that are as angels of God should not usurp spiritual administrations, but leave them to those that are called of God. When Saul would be doing the priest's oflQce, God was angry with him, 1 Sam. xiii. 13, 14 ; Uzziali was smitten with leprosy for taking a censer to burn incense upon the altar of incense, 2 Chron. xvi. 18. The magistrates have enough to do about religion. Christ hath recommended liis spouse to them, that they may give her house and harbour, and maintain and defend her. Let them do that ; but it is a sacrilege and usurpation when they intermeddle in the minister's calling. Nor must it be usurped by the people. God hath chosen witnesses: Acts x. 40, 41, ' Him God raised up the third day, and showed him openly ; not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us,' &c. Christ would not appear to the multitude. It is not everyone's work to preach, but of those that are chosen by God ; for it is not a work of charity but a duty belonging to a jiarticular calling. He that cannot say he is a chcsen witness, v.-hy should he intermeddle ? Let them increase their knowledge and instruct their families, taking all occasion of gaining neighbours ; let them be much in examining their hearts and private meditations ; they will have far more comfort, and show less of pride and usurpation.