Only this Invitation to Communion and Fellowship with Christ, is to be considered two ways. First, Merely and barely, as it is an act of God inviting by the Word. Or secondly, As it implies our answer or consent to that Invitation. As when a man is called to an Office either in Church or State, he is said to be called, though he does not accept of it; but when election and voluntary acceptation meet together, then there is a call. So our heavenly Call, taking it in a large sense: All that live under the Gospel are called, and invited. But in a proper and strict sense men are said to be called only, when they accept, and consent upon Gods Invitation. This distinction is very necessary: For Matth. 22.14 it is said, Many are called, but few are chosen. And Rom 8.30. it is said expressly, That whom he hath, predestinated, them he also called, and whom he called, them he also justified. If those that are called, are predestinated and justified, how is it true, That many are called, and few are chosen? I answer, Taking Calling in a large sense, for a bare Invitation, many are called. Taking Calling in a strict sense; as implying our answer, and acceptation, and consent thereto; so none are called but those that accept the Call, and are brought home to God. Gods ⟨p. 188⟩Calling is an effectual Invitation of a person to the great Supper of the Gospel, whereby a man does accept it, and is brought home to God.
Onely this Invitation to Communion and Fellowship with Christ, is to be considered two ways. First, Meerly and barely, as it is an act of God inviting by the Word. Or secondly, As it implies our answer or consent to that Invitation. As when a man is called to an Office either in Church or State, he is said to be called, though he does not accept of it; but when election and voluntary acceptation meet together, then there is a call. So our heavenly Call, taking it in a large sense: All that live under the Gospel are called, and invited. But in a proper and strict sense men are said to be called onely, when they accept, and consent upon Gods Invitation. This distinction is very necessary: For Matth. 22.14 it is said, Many are called, but few are chosen. And Rom 8.30. it is said expresly, That whom he hath, predestinated, them he also called, and whom he called, them he also justified. If those that are called, are predestinated and justified, how is it true, That many are called, and few are chosen? I answer, Taking Calling in a large sense, for a bare Invitation, many are called. Taking Calling in a strict sense; as implying our answer, and acceptation, and consent thereto; so none are called but those that accept the Call, and are brought home to God. Gods ⟨p. 188⟩Calling is an effectual Invitation of a person to the great Supper of the Gospel, whereby a man does accept it, and is brought home to God.
