1621-1682
Fairclough was an ejected (1662) English, presbyterian puritan. His funeral sermon was preached by John Howe, who commended him highly.
Puritan Sermons Buy vol. 6, ‘The Papal Doctrine In Denying The Possibility Of Assurance Is False, And Has A Dangerous Tendency To Destroy The True Place And Comfort Of Souls In The Certain Hopes Of Everlasting Happiness. – 2 Peter 1:10’, p. 377-8
God’s call sometimes is ineffectual, and sometimes effectual. So the same apostle plainly declares in 1 Thess. 2:13: “For this cause also thank we God, which effectually works also in you that believe.” Observe that it is the work of God’s Spirit in the heart, superadded to the Word of the Gospel, as spoken by men, that makes any call effectual. Without this inward work, God may call, and the soul will never answer…
It is this effectual work of God’s Spirit, in regenerating the soul by infusing of habits of grace, which distinguishes an internal effectual call of God form a mere external and ineffectual one… The text makes sure that it might be known whether or not God has so called you by His Word, as that also He has worked in you by His Spirit; whether God has illuminated your understanding, and inclined your will, so that you have complied with God’s will, and have answered His call. Whether, when God drew you, you ran after Him (Cant. 1:4); whether, when God entreated and persuaded you to be reconciled to Him you consented (2 Cor. 5:20); whether, when He wooed you, He also won you; whether, when He invited you to the wedding supper of His Son, you made no excuse or delay, but accepted, and welcomed the offer of the Gospel with faith and love (Luke 14:18). All which if you did do, it arose from the power of an inward call, being superadded to the outward call of the Word…
Related Pages
The Sincere Free Offer of the Gospel
Historic Reformed Quotes on the Sincere Free Offer of the Gospel