A commentary or, exposition upon the divine second epistle general, writtenA commentary or, exposition vpon the diuine second epistle generall, written

We know there is a Sun in heaven, yet we cannot see what matter it is made of, but perceive it only by the beams, light, and heat. Election is a Sun, the eyes of Eagles cannot see it; yet we may find it in the heat of Vocation, in the light of Illumination, in the beams of good works. It is a principle in reason; a perfect action is not received at first but imperfectly; an habit is not gotten at the first; salvation is not wrought on a sudden. The path of the just is as shining light,^c That shineth more and more unto the perfect day. Saint Paul considers the chain of our Salvation, depending on four links,^d Election, Vocation, Justification, Glorification: the first whereof hath no beginning, the last no ending. Here is the kindness of a Father, that singles out some special children, to whom he bears greatest affection, and intends most good; and in this consists Election. In good time he declares his affection, and makes his love manifest to them; there is Vocation. Then he conforms them to his own Image, gives them place in Court, the honour of children, the earnest of his Spirit, in token of Assurance: there is Justification. Lastly, he bids them enter into their fathers joy, makes them co-heirs with his eldest Son in the possession of bliss; there is Glorification. God hath chosen us before the world, created us with the world, called us from the world, justified us in the world, and he will save us in the world to come. He that chose us when we were not, and called us when we were naught; and hath justified us being sinners, will glorify us being Saints. The Husband-man of heaven chooseth out a plot of ground at his own pleasure; there is Election: he sows this with the immortal seed, by his Word; there's Vocation: he waters it with the dew of Hermon, the graces of his Spirit; there is Sanctification: when it is ripe, he reaps it from the earth, and carries it into the Barn of heaven; there is Salvation.

We know there is a Sunne in heaven, yet we cannot see what matter it is made of, but perceive it onely by the beames, light, and heat. Election is a Sunne, the eyes of Eagles cannot see it; yet we may finde it in the heat of Vocation, in the light of Illumination, in the beames of good workes. It is a principle in reason; a perfect action is not received at first but imperfectly; an habite is not gotten at the first; salvation is not wrought on a sudden. The path of the just is as shining light,