The sum of sacred divinity briefly & methodically propoundedThe summe of sacred diuinitie briefly & methodically propounded

This number of Gods Elect, in comparison of the Reprobate, is but small: for ^zMany are called, but few are chosen. If but few even of those that have an outward calling: how much more few, if you consider the rest of the World beside? And this may teach us the rather to admire Gods goodness to our selves, as nature and reason do instruct us, to set more by that which is common but with a few.

This number of Gods Elect, in comparison of the Reprobate, is but small: for ^zMany are called, but few are chosen. If but few euen of those that haue an outward calling: how much more few, if you consider the rest of the World beside? And this may teach vs the rather to admire Gods goodnesse to our selues, as nature and reason doe instruct vs, to set more by that which is common but with a few.

1. zMat. 20. 16.

Thirdly, The cause of this difference, is the¹ free-will and pleasure of God, without any motive to it, but in and of himself: Which the name of Predestination speaketh, that the Will and Decree of GOD, not in time only, but in the very order and nature of causes, is first, and before all other things. And the Apostle ^asaith plainly, He worketh all things after the counsel of his Will. God therefore, notwithstanding any thing that hath been ••id, is no respectre of persons, nor moved by any quality that is in man, but by his own free-will. No fore-knowledge of faith, or infidelity, good or evil works, were the cause of this Decree: for they are but