Bridge's remains, being VIII sermons

Secondly, Men are invited to the great Supper of the Gospel, that is, to Fellowship and Communion with Christ. 1 Cor. 1.9. God is faithful by whom you were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.

If you look unto the persons that are invited to the great Supper. Luke 14.16. Matth. 22.1, 2, 3. [that great Supper is nothing but Communion and Fellowship with Christ] those that are invited. Matth. 22.3. are said to be called. He sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the Supper. And of those that refused to come, it is said, Many are called, but few are chosen, v. 14.

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