Not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance; but as he who has called you is holy, so be ye holy; (note) in all manner of conversation. 1 Peter 1:14-15. Give diligence to make your calling and election sure; for the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles. 2 Peter 1:10. 1 Peter 4:3.
None can be so sure of his salvation, as to be for ever free from fears and doubts, for there is no assurance without conflicts. Therefore all diligence is required, to be evermore sure of it, so as to have boldness even in death. But let us take heed of presumption, since we do not know what may befall us at last; and be careful not to despise, and over-drive the weaker sort of Christians, that by making general rules of our own experience, this comfortable doctrine of assurance may not be matter of torment to others.
How short and hasty is our life!
How vast our soul’s affairs!
Yet senseless mortals, vainly strive
To lavish out their years.
God from on high invites us home,
But we march heedless on,
And ever hastening to the tomb,
Stoop downwards as we run.
How we deserve the deepest hell,
That slight the joys above!
What chains of vengeance should we feel!
That break such cords of love.
Draw us, O God, with sovereign grace,
And lift our thoughts on high,
That we may end this mortal race,
And see salvation nigh.