A Golden Chain

Now because that external vocation, is not proper only to the elect (for many are called, but few are chosen) but such a vocation as is effectual, that is, whereby the understanding is not only enlightened with the saving knowledge of God, but in the will also there is created a true, though not a perfect hatred of sin, from whence ariseth an abhorring of sin, and love of that which is good, or rather a desire to will, and do that which is right. Therefore when we see one thus dangerously tempted, we apply unto his afflicted conscience, that true Nepenthes, and comfortable and restorative medicine, which is taken from Gods effectual vocation, as it were out of an Apothecaries box.

Nowe because that externall vocation, is not proper onely to the elect (for many are called, but fewe are chosen) but such a vocation as is effectuall, that is, whereby the vnderstanding is not onely enlightened with the sauing knoweledge of God, but in the will also there is created a true, though not a perfect hatred of sinne, from whence ariseth an abhorring of sinne, and loue of that which is good, or rather a desire to will, and do that which is right. Therefore when wee see one thus dangerously tempted, we apply vnto his afflicted conscience, that true Nepenthes, and comfortable and restoratiue medicine, which is taken from Gods effectuall vocation, as it were out of an Apothecaries boxe.

If therefore I have to do with such an one, who either was never called by the preaching of the Gospel, or if he were called, yet seemeth both to himself and others, never to have regarded him that called: and hence concludeth that he is not in the number of them, whom God hath purposed to take pity upon: I forthwith tell him, that Satan playeth the Sophister, in teaching him thus to conclude: for this his reason is as untrue, as if a man looking at midnight, & seeing that the Sun is not then risen, should therefore affirm that it would never rise. And this is that which when I objected to D. Andreas, pag. 482. he very boldly corrupting my meaning printed this as mine assertion, Say unto a man that is afflicted, the sun is risen, although as yet it be not risen. But I teach not lies, howsoever this depravation of my words came from D. Andreas printers, or himself. And whereas D. Andreas excepted, that this consolation were to no purpose, because he that was afflicted might doubt whether this sun would ever rise or not: I answered to him, that which the printers have quite left out, and which I will now therefore more fully repeat. I was wont therefore to tell the party thus troubled, after he had forsaken his false and devilish position: that although an external vocation were not of force enough to appease an afflicted conscience, yet it was of sufficient force and efficacy against the devil. For I tell him that they which never had external nor internal calling, they (if we regard an ordinary calling) must needs perish: but whosoever is once called, he hath set as it were his foot in the first entry into the kingdom of heaven: and unless it be by his own default, he shall come afterwards into the courts of God, & so by degrees into his Majesties palace. And for the confirmation of this, I use divers ways. For why, say I, doubtest thou of his good will towards thee, who in mercy hath sent me a minister to call thee unto him? thou hast no cause, unless thou allege the number of thy sins. If this be all, why, oppose the infinite greatness of Gods mercy against thy sins, who hath sent me to bring thee unto him. The Lord vouchsafeth to bring thee into the way of the elect, why art thou a stumbling block unto thy self? & refusest to ollow him?