firme confidence of presumption, and in death they leave wretched men in doubt, how long they shall be tormented in Purgatory.
3. To exhort us to this labour and diligence; and indeed this indeavour is inseparable from a true and lively faith: for look how it is amongst men; if one did beleeve that he had an inheritance left him by his Father, or any other, he would never be at quiet, till he had gotten it assured unto him, according to the lawes and customes of the countrey wherein he lives, so is it with the faithfull also touching these spirituall good things.
Doct. 3. All those, and those alone, make their election sure, that make their calling sure.
These two God hath joyned together, as the Apostle doth in this place, so that no man ought or may dis-joyne them. Hence election and calling are taken sometimes in the Scriptures for one and the same, as 1 Cor. 1.26, 27. that which is called calling, verse 26. is called election, verse 27. There is indeed an outward and ineffectuall calling, which is many times separated from election, as when it is said, Many are called, but few are chosen. But effectuall and saving calling hath alwayes a sure connexion with election, as Rom. 8.30. and 11.28.29. Reason. Because this calling is nothing else but the operation of God, whereby in time he begins to execute that purpose of election, which he had decreed from everlasting. Vse 1. This may serve to reprove those, that are wont to boast of their election and predestination, when in the meane time they never looke after their calling or conversion, to demonstrate it either to themselves or others. It is presumption, whatsoever men say of their election, if they are not first assured of their calling. 2. To comfort all the faithfull that are penitent, converted, and called, because all those may and ought to be sure of their election. Doct. 4. An endeavour to abound in vertue, and to do good workes is the only meanes to make our calling and election sure.
This is gathered from the words, If ye do these things.
Reason 1. Because these are the proper effects of calling and election.
